policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
JAVMA news
Setting the stage for owners when senior pets develop behavior problems
Caring for geriatric pets can be challenging and at times frustrating for their owners. Pets can exhibit behavioral problems that impair the…
policy
Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs that can affect humans and is therefore a One Health issue.
JAVMA news
Studies ongoing into effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on animals
As the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant spreads in the U.S., researchers continue work to understand the effects on animals of such human variants of concern.
JAVMA news
Pet store puppies remain a source of drug-resistant Campylobacter
Public health investigators found that pet store dogs have been a source of drug-resistant Campylobacter infections in humans for the past decade.
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
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…
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
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
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
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.
JAVMA news
USDA awards $11M for agricultural animal studies
Federal grants will fund studies on ways to enhance reproduction in agricultural animals and improve the lives of those animals.
policy
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…
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.
AVMA news
New listings in AVMA Animal Health Studies Database - Jan. 1, 2022
See new listings of veterinary clinical studies in the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database.
blog
One Health, wildlife see wins in federal funding
The spending package approved to fund the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2021 provides major wins for veterinarians.
JAVMA news
New listings in AVMA Animal Health Studies Database
Below are some of the new listings of veterinary clinical studies in the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database.
policy
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
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 Animal Health Studies Database reaches 5 years, 500 listings
This June, the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database is marking the fifth anniversary of its launch. The AAHSD also recently surpassed 500 listings of…
policy
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…
blog
Dog importation bill would better protect animals and people
AVMA worked with lawmakers to get the Healthy Dog Importation Act reintroduced in Congress. The legislation would reduce the spread of dangerous…
JAVMA news
Report shows need for more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters
Fear for the welfare of pets is a barrier that keeps domestic violence survivors from leaving abusive situations, according to a 2021 report from the…