AVMA news
Humane slaughter guidelines available for comment
Draft revisions to the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals, which cover the humane slaughter of animals raised for food or fiber, are…
policy
Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
policy
UNDER REVIEWTransport, sale yard practices, and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry
The AVMA supports science-based guidelines for transport and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry, developed in collaboration with experienced…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
policy
The IAHAIO Tokyo Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Tokyo Declaration.
policy
Safety testing
The AVMA supports research to discover and develop safe and efficacious drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical devices that benefit animals and…
policy
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…
policy
The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
policy
The IAHAIO Prague Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Prague 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…
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…
policy
Transportation of research animals for the purpose of research, testing, and education
Transportation of animals for research, testing, and education should be conducted humanely and assure the animals are handled appropriately for their…
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…
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…
blog
Euthanasia guidelines to undergo interim update
The AVMA is preparing to release a ninth update to our Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals, and we’ll be sharing a first look at proposed changes…
policy
Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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
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…
JAVMA news
HOD adopts policies on cribbing, microchipping animals
In January, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt a new policy on humanely managing horse cribbing and a revised policy concerning…
policy
IAHAIO Rio Declaration on Pets in Schools
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Declaration on Pets in Schools.
policy
UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
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…
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.