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…
JAVMA news
Veterinary marijuana?
Most Americans see marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment for some human disease conditions.
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…
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…
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
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA considers revising policy on feral cats
The AVMA is considering revisions to its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” in hopes of building consensus among stakeholders.
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…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
JAVMA news
When domestic violence arrives at the clinic door
Veterinarians and other practice staff members have the potential to play a life-saving role in the prevention of and response to domestic violence.
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
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA to deliberate on assistance animals, stem cells
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals provide therapeutic interventions and assist individuals with disabilities but the growing number of…
JAVMA news
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
JAVMA news
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
JAVMA news
New guidance for pets exposed to rabies
New guidance in this issue of the JAVMA advises that cats and dogs that are exposed to rabies and are overdue for a vaccine can have a booster shot…
JAVMA news
Finding a way forward with nonprofit service providers
Representatives of the groups spoke about these efforts during the 2014 AVMA Public Policy Symposium, Sept. 5-6 in Rosemont, Illinois.
JAVMA news
Restricting ownership of wild animals
Ohio residents have received or sought permits to continue owning about 300 primates