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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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Conservation of wildlife
The AVMA recognizes the vital role of wildlife in the human-animal-environment complex and that wildlife conservation is most effectively addressed…
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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…
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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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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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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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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…
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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.
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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.
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Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
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Ownership and/or possession and appropriate disposition of wild and exotic pet species or their hybrids
The AVMA is concerned with animal welfare, husbandry, infectious diseases, public health and safety, and environmental impacts associated with…
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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
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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…
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AAFP/AAHA antimicrobial stewardship guidelines
The AVMA has endorsed these guidelines developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and American Animal Hospital Association…