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.
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
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.
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.…
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.
JAVMA news
Report highlights growing practices
An analysis of data from 4,106 animal hospitals across the country found that 23 percent had an increase in revenues of more than 10 percent
JAVMA news
Groups working to identify best euthanasia, slaughter methods
The AVMA will lead a meeting looking to examine euthanasia practices across animal species and harmonize international guidance.
AVMA news
When death comes suddenly to a pet
Among the common causes of sudden unexpected death in cats and dogs are heart disease, trauma, and toxicity. Veterinarians can help grieving pet…
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
AAHA Connexity takes on topics that keep veterinarians up at night
The American Animal Hospital Association took a radically new approach to its annual conference this year,
JAVMA news
Horse racing deaths decreasing in California
Equine fatalities in California horse racing have declined 50% over the past two years, dropping from 144 to 72, reported the California Horse Racing…
AVMA news
Mars acquires Heska in $1.3B deal
Mars Inc. and Heska Corp. have entered into a agreement that Mars will buy the diagnostic veterinary equipment firm for $1.3 billion.
JAVMA news
AVMA may change guidance for CO2 euthanasia in rodents
Pending revisions to the AVMA's euthanasia guidelines likely will instruct veterinarians to use faster flow rates when using carbon dioxide
JAVMA news
Corporate practice becomes part of the landscape
Corporate practices have established themselves in recent years as part of the landscape of companion animal practice in the United States.