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:
AVMA news
Animal welfare award recipients recognized by AVMA
Dr. Sheilah Robertson received the AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and Candace Croney, PhD, received the AVMA Humane Award July 15 during AVMA Convention…
AVMA news
Animal welfare contest puts students, veterinarians to the test
Participants evaluated the welfare of show chickens, cattle, shelter pets, and an octopus in an aquarium during the 22nd annual AVMA Animal Welfare…
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Counting animals in shelters and sharing data
The National Database Project as a platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data.
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,…
blog
DOT issues final rule on air travel with service animals
Strong veterinary influence is apparent in the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation related to transporting service and emotional…
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…
blog
Congratulate these AVMA award winners
Three accomplished veterinary and animal science professionals have been chosen to receive AVMA Excellence Awards for their support of the…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
JAVMA news
In Short
The Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comment on proposed updates to Animal Welfare Act…
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA honors 3 with awards during National Pet Week
The AVMA has announced the 2020 recipients of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and AVMA Humane…
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinary behaviorists: No role for aversive dog training practices
Reward-based dog training offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner’s welfare, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal…
JAVMA news
Unmasking the shelter dog
Now, more than ever, it’s important to understand the behavior of animals in shelters, according to the keynote speaker at the National Council on Pet…
Animal-assisted interventions: Guidelines
Veterinarians must prepare themselves to play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people and the animals involved in human-animal…
JAVMA news
Humane endings
The Association hosted a symposium where best practices for euthanasia were examined and research directed at refining those practices
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA providing guidance on handling of pet remains
The AVMA has adopted a policy and is creating educational materials to provide guidance to veterinarians on the handling of companion animal remains.
JAVMA news
Million Cat Challenge aims to rescue shelter cats
Two shelter medicine programs have launched the Million Cat Challenge to reduce the loss of life among cats in North American animal shelters over…