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…
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.
policy
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…
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…
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
JAVMA news
Ohio restricting wild animal ownership
Starting in September, most Ohio residents will be unable to collect or sell wild animals that the state deems to be dangerous.
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
UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee
The Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee advises the Board of Directors onmatter related to aquatic animal health and aquatic veterinary medicine.
policy
Limited prohibition on extralabel drug use
Any regulatory prohibition of extralabel drug use in animals should be science-based and as limited in scope as possible, consistent with protecting…
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
UNDER REVIEWGovernment fees and taxes on veterinary products and services
Government entities should consider the possible negative effects on human health, animal health and animal welfare that may result from fees or taxes…
Partners for Healthy Pets
As part of our effort to advocate for both our member veterinarians and the welfare of animals, the AVMA is an active partner in the non-profit…
AVMA Excellence Awards
AVMA awards recognize veterinarians who advance veterinary medicine, and who show exemplary concern for the welfare and humane treatment of animals.…
JAVMA news
Congress considers US egg production standards
United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States want Congress to approve new standards for U.S. egg producers.
policy
Ownership vs guardianship
Any change in terminology describing the relationship between animals and owners, including guardian, doesn’t strengthen this relationship, and may,…
AVMA leadership rosters, 2023-2024
Connect with the volunteers who make up all of AVMA's governing bodies.
policy
UNDER REVIEWJoint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on veterinary education
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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…
policy
Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
policy
Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials
The AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association have jointly adopted this policy on responsible and…