policy
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
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
JAVMA news
Welfare guidelines released for working equids
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has adopted the first set of global standards for ensuring the welfare of working equids.
policy
Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
JAVMA news
Data gathering project launches to improve equine welfare
The Equine Welfare Data Collective launched a metrics gathering effort Nov. 1, 2018, to better understand at-risk and transitioning equids.
policy
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…
AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
policy
Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
policy
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,…
policy
The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
policy
UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
policy
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…
policy
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
UNDER REVIEWResearch dogs and cats adoption
The following factors should be considered when developing a research institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption.
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
policy
Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
policy
Tail docking of cattle
The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates it provides no benefit to the animal, and it may cause…
policy
Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
policy
Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
JAVMA news
World Veterinary Day to focus on vector-borne zoonoses
World Veterinary Day to focus on vector-borne zoonoses with zoonotic potential.
JAVMA news
Novel pain assessment developed for horses
European researchers provide a new approach to assessing pain in horses on the basis of a standardized scale of facial expressions called the Horse…
JAVMA news
'We do one thing, and one thing only'
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Spay/Neuter Alliance is working to reduce the number of unwanted animals by
JAVMA news
It doesn’t have to hurt
The ethics of animal treatment and veterinary care have changed dramatically over the past several decades.
JAVMA news
AABP calls for pain control during horn removal
Cattle should receive pain control drugs during and after horn or horn bud removal, according to the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.