Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
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
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…
AVMA Animal Welfare Award
This award is given annually to an AVMA member veterinarian to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals.
JAVMA news
Changes for Animal Welfare Symposium
The timing and topic of the AVMA Animal Welfare Symposium initially planned for 2012 have changed.
policy
USDA/APHIS animal welfare program
The AVMA supports enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act to protect animals used for nonagricultural research, testing, teaching, or exhibition.
JAVMA news
A veterinary conversation about animal welfare
An intraprofessional summit on animal welfare titled “Can You Hear Me Now? The Conversation” is set for Nov. 14-15 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont,…
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA joins Scientists Center for Animal Welfare
The Executive Board has approved AVMA membership in the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, a not-for-profit association
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the roles of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare
The AVMA, FVE, and CVMA recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including…
JAVMA news
AVMA solicits member comments on welfare policies
The AVMA is soliciting comments from members on nine animal welfare policies under review by the Animal Welfare Committee, which
JAVMA news
New welfare specialty certifies diplomates
The American College of Animal Welfare certified three diplomates following the college’s first certification examination held this July in Raleigh,…
Welfare implications of tail docking of dogs
Peer-reviewed summary of scientific literature related to the welfare implications of amputation of part of a dog’s tail.
policy
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
policy
Withdrawal of FDA approval for animal drug products
Loss of an animal drug product can have adverse effects on animal health, animal welfare and food safety.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
policy
Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…
policy
Creation and use of genetically modified animals as research models
Creation and use of genetically modified animals for investigating diseases affecting animals and people should not be needlessly restricted and…
policy
Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
policy
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.
policy
Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.