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
Faith inspires Muslim veterinarian's compassion for animals
When Dr. Usman came to America, he didn't know what to expect. So in 1999 he helped found the Muslim VMA to give Muslim veterinarians coming to the…
JAVMA news
Ag high schools draw urban students to animal care
The 16-year-old is interested in becoming a veterinary surgeon, although that interest is split between large and small animal medicine.
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
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…
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…
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.
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
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
Public health careers on display for veterinary students at CDC event
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted the 2019 Veterinary Student Day seminar Jan. 13-14 at its headquarters in Atlanta.
JAVMA news
APVMA helps undergraduates realize their future
The American Preveterinary Medical Association wants to be part of the process for more students looking to join the veterinary profession.
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…
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
Women’s leadership initiative announces new officials
On Jan. 1, Dr. Stacy Pritt begins her tenure as president of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative, and Dr. Rachel Cezar becomes…
JAVMA news
AAVMC acknowledges contributions from veterinary faculty, student
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges recognized the 2017 recipients of five awards during its Annual Conference March 10-12 in…
JAVMA news
Raising global veterinary standards
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) hosted a conference this past December during which 23 recommendations
JAVMA news
Recognized for excellence
During the AVMA Annual Convention this July in Boston, the AVMA gave awards to a number of individuals and two organizations to recognize excellence…
JAVMA news
Warning added to euthanasia products
The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine is adding an environmental warning to labels of pentobarbital-containing euthanasia