Animal health and welfare
Veterinarians and veterinary teams are committed to protecting the health and welfare of animals. AVMA has many tools and resources to help.
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…
blog
Important animal welfare bill approved by Congress
Following years of advocacy by the AVMA, lawmakers and animal welfare advocates, the U.S. House and Senate have unanimously approved landmark animal…
JAVMA news
50 years later, animal welfare act is a work in progress
The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966, originally to protect laboratory animals while also regulating animal dealers and the laboratories…
JAVMA news
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos Rodeos are an opportunity for cowboys to showcase their…
JAVMA news
OIE tracks COVID-19 threats to animal welfare
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is examining how misunderstandings surrounding COVID-19 may have compromised animal welfare during the…
JAVMA news
Croney chosen to head Purdue animal welfare center
Candace Croney, PhD, began overseeing the university’s new Center for Animal Welfare Science this February when it opened.
JAVMA news
UCSF, USDA settle animal welfare complaint
The University of California-San Francisco in September announced a settlement had been reached with the U.S. government
JAVMA news
Lawmakers seek expansion of animal welfare regulations
A New York Times story exposing alleged abuses at an agricultural research facility has prompted legislation to expand federal animal
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.
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
APHIS to define animal pain, distress
The USDA-APHIS is considering several changes to the Animal Welfare regulations to promote the humane treatment of live animals
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
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…
JAVMA news
Horse tripping a new welfare concern
The AVMA has come out against the practice of horse tripping, which involves roping the front or hind legs of a galloping horse while on foot or…
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.
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.
JAVMA news
Animal research helps pets, too
This past October, the Foundation for Biomedical Research launched its "Love Animals? Support Animal Research" campaign to educate the public about…
JAVMA news
Captive elephant welfare study under way
A three-year, first-of-its-kind study commenced in December for the purpose of producing data that will be used to determine best practices in zoo…
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…
AVMA news
Farewell to Betty White, an animal’s best friend
Betty White died Dec. 31, 2021, and is being remembered not only for her seven decades of acting but also for her advocacy of animal welfare and the…
JAVMA news
Lawmakers tackle animal hoarding
Lawmakers tackle animal hoarding States look to new laws to address animal hoarders When more than 562…
JAVMA news
Groups seek combined oversight of research animals
Four organizations in research and human medicine support combining federal oversight over research animals.
policy
Genetic modification of animals in agriculture
Genetic research and the practical application of that knowledge in farm-raised* animals should be encouraged.