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.
JAVMA news
AVMA endorses guidance for vets suspecting animal abuse
The AVMA has endorsed a document created jointly by the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and the American Humane Association for veterinarians…
JAVMA news
Veterinarians: a missing LINK
As awareness of human and animal abuse grows, many in the health care and animal welfare communities are seeking ways to help practitioners respond.
JAVMA news
A safety net for struggling pet owners
Many animal shelters and humane organizations offer programs to prevent pet relinquishment for individuals and families experiencing domestic…
JAVMA news
Report shows need for more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters
Fear for the welfare of pets is a barrier that keeps domestic violence survivors from leaving abusive situations, according to a 2021 report from the…
JAVMA news
Slaughter guidelines enforcement called into question
The USDA and industry experts maintain that most of the 150 million head of livestock that are processed each year in inspected facilities are…
JAVMA news
AVMA releases video on soring of gaited show horses
The AVMA has produced an educational video, in cooperation with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Department of Agriculture, to…
JAVMA news
When domestic violence arrives at the clinic door
Veterinarians and other practice staff members have the potential to play a life-saving role in the prevention of and response to domestic violence.
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
Virginia establishes first attorney general’s animal law unit
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has created what is thought to be the nation’s first attorney general’s animal law unit.
JAVMA news
ASPCA, University of Florida partner on forensics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Florida veterinary and medical colleges have partnered for the…
JAVMA news
Soring criminal case garners national attention
A prominent trainer in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry pleaded guilty May 22 to a felony conviction for charges that he violated the Horse…
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.
JAVMA news
Legislation would protect pets of domestic violence victims
The AVMA is lending its support to bipartisan legislation that would expand federal protections to the pets of victims of domestic violence.
JAVMA news
Legislation would regulate puppy mills
A Senate subcommittee recently held a hearing about a controversial bill aimed at regulating puppy mills by bringing federal oversight to large-scale…
JAVMA news
Pets to live in apartments at new domestic violence shelter
When a pet is part of a family shattered by domestic violence, the pet's life is in peril and the family faces yet another obstacle to survival.
JAVMA news
Reporting laws suggest need for abuse standards
The statute protects veterinarians from civil or criminal liability when they alert authorities to an animal they suspect has been inhumanely treated
JAVMA news
Shelter for pets of domestic violence victims expands
I love the PALS model, said Staci Columbo Alonso about the People and Animals Living Safely shelter program
JAVMA news
Laboratories terminated, but lessons learned
At veterinary colleges, such laboratories have come under increasing attention this past year.