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The IAHAIO Tokyo Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Tokyo Declaration.
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UNDER REVIEWRemoval of antlers (velveting)
If amputation of living, growing antlers of cervids is performed, it must be done humanely and within the bounds of a veterinarian-client-patient…
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Animal-assisted interventions: Definitions
Animal-assisted interventions should be governed by basic standards, monitored regularly, and staffed by appropriately trained personnel. The health…
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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The IAHAIO Prague Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Prague Declaration.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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Human-animal interaction and the human-animal bond
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered…
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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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Physical restraint of animals
Humane and safe handling may include using manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal's normal voluntary movement for the purposes…
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IAHAIO Rio Declaration on Pets in Schools
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Declaration on Pets in Schools.
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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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Zoonotic disease education
The AVMA supports zoonotic disease education programs for physicians, allied health professionals, veterinarians, and other animal care professionals…
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Disaster/Emergency pet sheltering preferences
The AVMA recommends use of the cohabitation sheltering model (sheltering as a family unit) during disasters and emergencies involving companion…
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UNDER REVIEWFeral swine
The AVMA supports scientifically based regulation and/or legislation related to feral swine.
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Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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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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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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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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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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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…