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Truthful and nonmisleading human food labeling
The AVMA supports truthful and non-misleading labeling of animal-derived human food products that meets specific criteria.
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the benefits of animal vaccination programs in advancing animal and human health
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs that can affect humans and is therefore a One Health issue.
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
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UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
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Raw diets for dogs and cats
The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens…
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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,…
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the global control of dog-mediated rabies: A One Health imperative
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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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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The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
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UNDER REVIEWVeterinary end-of-life care
Pet owners facing terminal illness in companion animals may desire veterinary end-of-life care for their pets. The animal's comfort and quality of…
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Support for veterinary extension and outreach services
Veterinary extension and outreach services play a vital role to protect the health and wellbeing of animals, contribute to public health, and…
National Dog Bite Prevention Week: Promoting peaceful coexistence with our canine companions
Most dogs coexist peacefully with people, but dog bites remain a serious public health risk. National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 9-15.
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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…
American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Merck Animal Health donate to Turkey, Syria to aid earthquake relief for veterinarians and animals
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Merck Animal Health announced $100,000 in funding to support disaster relief for veterinarians and…
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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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Representation to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)
The AVMA encourages expansion of veterinary membership to the USP, such as representation of veterinary pharmacologists.
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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…
Study: Trained dogs can identify scent of canine cancer in saliva samples
A study in JAVMA indicates dogs can be trained to distinguish between the scent of saliva from dogs with cancer and those from healthy controls with…
AVMA: “Doggie breath” could be a sign of serious disease
Does your sweet pet have sour breath? That odor from your pet’s mouth could signify a serious health risk that could lead to additional problems.
Mars Veterinary Health, AVMA, and industry leaders unveil the Positive Pet Care Guide
Today, an industry-wide working group led by Mars Veterinary Health and the AVMA released the Positive Pet Care Guide – a new resource aimed at…
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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Annual rabies vaccination waiver
Waivers of rabies vaccination should only be issued with approval from the appropriate public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed…