policy
Truthful and nonmisleading human food labeling
The AVMA supports truthful and non-misleading labeling of animal-derived human food products that meets specific criteria.
policy
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.
Plague FAQ
Human Plague frequently asked questions: Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
policy
The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
policy
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…
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…
blog
Get certified to better support the human-animal bond
The AVMA has been the think tank for professionals interested in the human-animal bond since the early 1980s, and we’re excited to announce a new…
Zika virus
Can pets be reservoir hosts for Zika virus? Can dogs or other pets get Zika from humans or transmit it to them? Is there a vaccine for Zika?
policy
Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
blog
Congratulate these AVMA award winners
Three accomplished veterinary and animal science professionals have been chosen to receive AVMA Excellence Awards for their support of the…
policy
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…
Animal-assisted interventions: Guidelines
Veterinarians must prepare themselves to play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people and the animals involved in human-animal…
Human-Animal Bond Certification
The AVMA is founding educational partner for the Human-Animal Bond Certification Program for veterinarians and veterinary team members.
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…
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…
Safe use of flea and tick preventive products
They're creepy, they're crawly...and they can carry diseases. Fleas and ticks aren't just a nuisance, but pose animal and human health risks.
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,…
blog
AVMA working group helps navigate opioid abuse epidemic
An AVMA working group has taken up the task of providing needed information to help veterinary professionals contribute productively to the national…
Disposal of pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical Disposal has come under increased scrutiny due to detection of human pharmaceuticals in U.S. Waterways.
blog
Cannabis resource published for AVMA members
More tools to come With many states allowing medicinal marijuana use in humans, and some allowing recreational use as well, it’s important for…
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…
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
policy
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…
policy
Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
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…