Avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) in U.S. dairy cattle
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was identified in U.S. dairy cattle for the first time in March 2024. Here are important details about this…
Safe handling of pet food and pet treats
Commercial pet food and treats can provide healthy diets and tasty rewards for pets but need to be handled with health and safety in mind. Just like…
Relocating pets for adoption
Relocation is when homeless dogs and cats are moved to an area where there is a greater demand for adoptable pets. Relocation can save lives, but it…
Avian influenza
Avian influenza appears periodically all over the world, including in the United States.
Outdoor enthusiasts and their companion animals
The AVMA has the following advice to help keep outdoor enthusiasts and their animal companions safe while enjoying outdoor activities.
Cannabis use and pets
Resources to help veterinarians advise clients and treat patients who may have been exposed to marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug in the…
Backyard chickens 101
A quick guide for small animal veterinarians to provide veterinary care for backyard chickens and urban poultry flocks.
Veterinary feed directive (VFD) basics
The FDA's Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requires a veterinarian’s involvement when any medically important antibiotic is fed to a food animal…
Pet health and veterinary awareness events
View our calendar of observances and holidays related to veterinary medicine.
Cannabis: FAQs for veterinarians
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the regulatory status of cannabis, cannabis-derived, and cannabis-related products in veterinary…
Committee on Antimicrobials
The Committee on Antimicrobials supports AVMA’s strategy to allow the veterinary profession to effectively share robust and comprehensive…
Selecting a pet for your family
Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you consider carefully what type of pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle.
Household hazards
Every home contains items that can be dangerous or fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet by learning about these hazards.
Healthy holiday gifts for pets
You don’t have to indulge in fancy collars, gourmet treats or other pricey gifts for pets. Here are less expensive, more practical gifts you can give…
Thanksgiving pet safety
Thanksgiving can carry some hazards for pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.
July 4 safety
Fireworks, picnics and other 4th of July traditions can be great fun for people, but frightening and dangerous for animals. Know how to keep your…
Antimicrobial use and resistance: AVMA policies
Explore AVMA policies related to antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine, including guidelines on judicious therapeutic use, the definition of…
Protect your Family, Pets, and Livestock from Rodents and Rodenticides
Controlling rodents protects animal and public health, but some control measures carry risks of their own. Learn to protect pets if using…
Cold weather animal safety
You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets'
Safe use of flea and tick preventive products
They're creepy, they're crawly...and they can carry diseases. Fleas and ticks aren't just a nuisance, but pose animal and human health risks.
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
Salmonella: Amphibians and Reptiles (FAQ)
Questions and answers for pet owners concerned about Salmonella associated with amphibians and reptiles.
Salmonella: Dry pet foods and pet treats (FAQ)
Questions/answers about Salmonella and pet food: How can pet food become contaminated? How can humans and pets become infected? How can you minimize…
First aid tips for pet owners
First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until you can get to a veterinarian.
11 things you can do to make road trips safer for you and your pet
Ask yourself if taking your pet with you is the right thing to do (for your pet and your family). If you must, then follow these safety rules.