Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
Animal welfare course syllabus
Educators can use this model syllabus as a template to meet the core competencies students need to protect animal welfare in any field of veterinary…
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AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal…
JAVMA news
Animal welfare recognized as veterinary specialty
The recent AVMA Executive Board vote granting the American College of Animal Welfare provisional recognition clears the way for prospective members to…
JAVMA news
Competition tests students’ animal welfare knowledge
The 12th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging/Assessment Contest was held Nov. 17-18, 2012, at the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal…
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Temple Grandin headlines animal welfare event
Application deadline extended for AVMA members AVMA members interested in learning more about animal welfare have a unique opportunity to learn from…
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Plans underway for 2019 animal welfare competition
Dates have been set for the 19th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, which will be held this fall in Colorado. The competition, known as AWJAC,…
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Animal welfare competition: Test your skills
Attention AVMA members, veterinary students, undergraduates, and graduate students: You’re invited to take part in a unique and interactive learning…
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New syllabus tool supports animal welfare education
Ensuring animals’ good welfare is a critical part of the work we all do as veterinarians, and that makes it an important focus for veterinary…
JAVMA news
From brown polo ponies to green iguanas, animal welfare anything but black and white
Dr. Monique Pairis-Garcia has seen show cats in a new light thanks to the AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest.
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
JAVMA news
Multi-institutional study dives deep into cetacean welfare
Some bottlenose dolphins are wearing superhero capes at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
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UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
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Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.
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Use of animals in research, testing, and education
Use of animals in research, testing and education is a privilege that carries unique professional, scientific and moral obligations, and ethical…
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UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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Safety testing
The AVMA supports research to discover and develop safe and efficacious drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical devices that benefit animals and…
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New AVMA guidelines help veterinarians implement depopulation humanely
Humanely ending the lives of animals is one of the most difficult tasks for any veterinarian. During times of crisis or major catastrophe, emergency…