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…
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…
policy
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
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…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
policy
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…
policy
Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…
policy
UNDER REVIEWVeterinary involvement in marine mammal health and welfare
The AVMA encourages the use of appropriately experienced and qualified veterinarians to optimize the health and welfare of marine mammals.
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
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…
policy
Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs that can affect humans and is therefore a One Health issue.
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
JAVMA news
Simulation study compares cat population reduction methods
A simulation model used in a recent study provides insights into the value of administering a temporary, nonsurgical
JAVMA news
Counting animals in shelters and sharing data
The National Database Project as a platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data.
Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians
Conversations are ongoing among veterinarians about when and whether to sterilize pets, and how to balance societal interests with the benefits and…
JAVMA news
Coalition wants veterinary access for economically at-risk pets
An ongoing concern voiced by some in the profession is that nonprofit organizations providing veterinary services are competing