Food Safety Advisory Committee
The Food Safety Advisory Committee advises the Board of Directors on food protection (food safety, food defense, and food security) issues.
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…
Thanksgiving pet safety
Thanksgiving can carry some hazards for pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.
Halloween pet safety
Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute); Make sure your pet has proper ID...
Winter holiday pet safety
December abounds with holiday celebrations, and nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. These tips can help keep…
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 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…
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…
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 care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
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…
Cannabis: FAQs for veterinarians
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the regulatory status of cannabis, cannabis-derived, and cannabis-related products in veterinary…
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…
Pet health and veterinary awareness events
View our calendar of observances and holidays related to veterinary medicine.
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.
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…
Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee
The Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee advises the Board of Directors onmatter related to aquatic animal health and aquatic veterinary medicine.
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…
Backyard chickens 101
A quick guide for small animal veterinarians to provide veterinary care for backyard chickens and urban poultry flocks.
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.
Antimicrobial use and resistance: FAQs for pet owners
AVMA's antimicrobial FAQs provide science-based information to help you make educated decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial…
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…
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…
Reporting adverse events
Adverse events that occur after use of a medication, medical device, pesticide, vaccine or other biological product are rare but can be…
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.