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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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?
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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…
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.
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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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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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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.
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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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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
Halloween pet safety
Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute); Make sure your pet has proper ID...
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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…
Selecting a pet ferret
Learn more about ferrets and whether a ferret is the right pet for your family.
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
Diabetes in Pets
With proper monitoring, treatment, and diet and exercise, diabetic pets can lead long and happy lives.
Selecting a pet reptile
Reptiles may require less daily care and exercise than many other pets, but they require special skills and careful attention to diet, handling and…
Run, Spot, Run!
See Spot run. Spot's having fun... or is he? Just as running isn't the sport for everyone, it's not the sport for every dog.
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…
Selecting a pet for your family
Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you consider carefully what type of pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle.
Cancer in Pets
Pets today have a better chance of being successfully treated for neoplasia and cancer than they did before.
Selecting a pet rabbit
Learn about rabbits to determine if a rabbit is the right pet for your family.
Selecting a pet bird
A pet bird can make a wonderful addition to households, especially if there is limited space or family members are allergic to other animals.
Zoonotic Diseases and Pets FAQ
Animals can carry diseases that people can catch. Get answers to commonly asked questions about disease risks related to pets.