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Removal or reduction of teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores
The AVMA opposes removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or approved…
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Canine hybrids
The AVMA strongly opposes keeping as pets any hybrids of wild canines crossbred with domestic animals. The AVMA believes that commercial traffic in…
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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…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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AAHA-AVMA canine preventive healthcare guidelines
All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate.
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines
All cats should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many cats, more frequent visits may be appropriate. The AVMA and the American…
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UNDER REVIEWLayer hen housing systems
Laying hen housing systems must provide feed, water, light, air quality, space, and sanitation that promote good health and welfare for the hens.
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Human-animal interaction and the human-animal bond
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered…
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Physical restraint of animals
Humane and safe handling may include using manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal's normal voluntary movement for the purposes…
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…
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UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
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Principles of veterinary medical ethics of the AVMA
All veterinarians are expected to adhere to a progressive code of ethical conduct known as the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.
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Dog bite prevention
Veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. View AVMA’s policy on dog bite…
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Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…
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Swine castration
The AVMA recommends using swine castration procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible…
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UNDER REVIEWVeal calf management
The AVMA supports modern veal calf production practices that meet the welfare and health needs of calves. View the policy on veal calf management.
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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.
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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,…