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.
AVMA news
Research on aging a natural fit for One Health approach
With today’s technological advancements, researchers are calling for a concerted effort to gather big data on aging dogs to benefit not only…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
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.
policy
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinarians could lead sustainability efforts
Despite the veterinary community championing the one-health concept—that human, animal, and environmental health are intertwined—the environmental…
JAVMA news
Group committed to pangolin rescue, rehabilitation
The African Pangolin Working Group started in 2011 when Ray Jansen, PhD, realized nearly all of the species of pangolin were facing extinction, mostly…
Disposal of pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical Disposal has come under increased scrutiny due to detection of human pharmaceuticals in U.S. Waterways.
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…
AVMA news
Wildlife disease as a frontier of discovery
The SARS-CoV-2 virus probably originated in wildlife and has been documented in more than two dozen species. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has…
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…
AVMA news
USDA awards $56M to support research on SARS-CoV-2 in animals
Findings from the 36 research projects related to SARS-CoV-2 in animal populations that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health…
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
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.
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…
resource
MEMBERS ONLYAVMA-Detailed-Coronoavirus-Taxonomy-2020-02-03 PDF
policy
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.
JAVMA news
Supreme Court strikes down Calif. slaughter rules
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in January that the state of California cannot prohibit the slaughter of pigs that become
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
policy
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.
policy
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…
blog
COVID-19: Resources for shelters, food animal veterinarians
Two new AVMA resources provide practical guidance for animal shelter personnel and food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic.