policy
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…
policy
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,…
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…
JAVMA news
Survey identifies barriers to pet ownership
A new survey has found that barriers to pet ownership include not only expenses and lifestyle factors but also a dislike of cats and grief over the…
policy
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…
Disease Risks for People at Dog Social Events
People attending dog social events can be at risk of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that spread from animals to people. Some of these diseases…
policy
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…
Euthanasia
Eventually, many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets. Although euthanasia is a personal decision, it doesn’t need to…
JAVMA news
Pet Nutrition Alliance advocates nutritional assessments
The new Pet Nutrition Alliance is advocating that every pet receive a nutritional assessment at every veterinary visit.
JAVMA news
Finding the right direction
Every year brings new clinical guidelines that could improve outcomes in veterinary medicine.