policy
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…
Dog bite prevention
Any dog can bite—big or small, male or female, young or old. It’s not a dog's breed that determines whether it will bite, but rather the dog's…
policy
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…
policy
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.
policy
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…
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
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…
JAVMA news
Feline health research grants awarded
The Winn Feline Foundation in late March announced grants totaling $174,018 had been awarded to 10 feline health
U.S. pet ownership statistics
See numbers of pets, pet-owning households, veterinary visits, and veterinary expenditures in the United States.
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Human-animal bond to be emphasized at 2013 AVMA convention
A new partnership between the AVMA and the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations should strengthen continuing education…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Proposals address research, raw food, pharmacies, and more
Research, raw food, and pharmacies along with ethics, diagnostic terms, and animal welfare are among the issues on the agenda for the regular annual…
Steering Committee on Human-Animal Interactions
The Steering Committee on Human-Animal Interactions fosters understanding of the characteristics of different types of human-animal relationships…