Animal health and welfare
Veterinarians and veterinary teams are committed to protecting the health and welfare of animals. AVMA has many tools and resources to help.
policy
AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
AVMA news
Students, veterinarians address animal welfare scenarios during annual contest
The 23rd annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, or AWJAC, took place November 17-19 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Participants…
AVMA news
Bill seeks to strengthen US foreign animal disease response
Bipartisan legislation would increase funding, up to $265 million, for federal programs aimed at preventing and combating destructive foreign animal…
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,…
JAVMA news
Economic forecast positive for small animal practices
Despite the economic downturn, the outlook for small animal practices remains promising
JAVMA news
Grants available for alternatives to animal use
The Alternatives Research & Development Foundation is offering funding for methods pertaining to biomedical research
blog
Ready for a challenge? Test your animal welfare knowledge
The AVMA’s Animal Welfare Assessment Contest® is a rare opportunity to work through the complexities of assessing animal welfare. Travel stipends are…
blog
Plans underway for 2019 animal welfare competition
Dates have been set for the 19th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, which will be held this fall in Colorado. The competition, known as AWJAC,…
blog
Animal welfare competition: Test your skills
Attention AVMA members, veterinary students, undergraduates, and graduate students: You’re invited to take part in a unique and interactive learning…
blog
A unique opportunity: Boost your animal welfare acumen
AVMA’s spring Animal Welfare Assessment Contest®—also known as AWJAC—will take place online Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21, 2024. AVMA members can sign…
blog
Protecting animal welfare: Empowering our next generation
One of AVMA’s most important responsibilities is to help the next generation of veterinarians make informed decisions that protect and enhance animal…
JAVMA news
Euthanatized animals can poison wildlife: Veterinarians receive fines
In 1999, a veterinarian and a rancher in Colorado were dismayed to find that they had accidentally killed five golden eagles and two bald eagles.
JAVMA news
Though not always ideal, inhalants can be an effective euthanasia method
Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and a combination of other gases and anesthetics are used to euthanize millions of animals in laboratories, on farms,…
JAVMA news
Analysis looks at Idexx data on preventive care
An analysis of Idexx Laboratories Inc. preventive care screening profiles from more than 5,000 practices found that for animals in all adult life…
JAVMA news
Research delayed, rodent populations reduced during pandemic
Universities delayed new studies this spring to reduce contact among people, including researchers and animal caregivers. Those delays often involved…
JAVMA news
Idexx drops distribution arrangement after FTC charges
Idexx Laboratories Inc. has dropped an arrangement with MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. for MWI to carry Idexx diagnostic products
AVMA news
AVMA recognizes three for work in human-animal bond and welfare
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen received the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, Dr. Patricia V. Turner received the AVMA Animal Welfare…
AVMA news
Class-action suit alleges anticompetitive behavior by Idexx
A lawsuit filed July 25 seeks an injunction against Idexx Laboratories and damages for pet owners because the company allegedly inflated prices for…
JAVMA news
Ending life well
Pending guidance on depopulation and updated guidance on euthanasia acknowledge that decisions on animal death are difficult even for experts.
AVMA news
Researcher looking at PFAS exposure in dogs, cats
#AVMA2023 rewind: Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to harmful health effects in both humans and animals. Dr. Heather D.…
JAVMA news
Member comment sought on draft guidelines for depopulation
A draft version of the first AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals is now available for review and comment by AVMA members.
AVMA news
WVC features AVMA sessions, research results
The AVMA offered sessions at the 2023 WVC Annual Conference as part of a year-old partnership with Viticus Group, the organization that hosts WVC.…
JAVMA news
African, US veterinarians have meeting of minds
Twinning program brings small animal veterinarians together for shared learning
blog
AVMA updates euthanasia guidance for the profession
The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals have been updated to reflect important research advances, including new techniques and equipment.