JAVMA news
A heart for politics
Dr. John Melcher has been a fixture in the nation's capital since 1969 when the Montana veterinarian was first sworn
JAVMA news
Legislation would regulate puppy mills
A Senate subcommittee recently held a hearing about a controversial bill aimed at regulating puppy mills by bringing federal oversight to large-scale…
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
JAVMA news
Congress considers US egg production standards
United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States want Congress to approve new standards for U.S. egg producers.
JAVMA news
How big is Florida's python problem?
New restrictions on the constrictor-snake trade are meant to prevent a repeat of what has happened with the Burmese python in the Florida Everglades.
Tips for effective letter writing to state legislators and other officials
Writing to lawmakers is one way to influence state and local laws and policy. Here are tips to write more effective letters.
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
JAVMA news
Looking ahead
Dr. Clark K. Fobian, District VII representative to the AVMA Executive Board, will likely be elected AVMA president-elect by the AVMA House of…
JAVMA news
Ohio restricting wild animal ownership
Starting in September, most Ohio residents will be unable to collect or sell wild animals that the state deems to be dangerous.
JAVMA news
Where to draw the line
In some areas of the country, rural veterinarians are struggling to maintain practice viability and client profitability
JAVMA news
Student advocates
Early this March, 65 veterinary students participated in the 5th Annual AVMA/Student AVMA Legislative Visit hosted by the AVMA
Why breed-specific legislation is not the answer
Breed-specific legislation may look good on the surface, but it’s not a reliable or effective solution for dog bite prevention.
blog
Congressional offices consider making xylazine a controlled substance
With illicit xylazine increasingly showing up in street drugs that pose grave risks to human users, government policymakers are discussing making it a…
Animal health advocacy
The AVMA’s advocacy work provides critical support for the work veterinary teams do every day to protect, promote, and advance animal health. Learn…
AVMA news
Unlawful xylazine receives more scrutiny to prevent inclusion in illegal drugs
Regulators and legislators are showing greater interest in xylazine, a prescription drug used in multiple sectors of clinical veterinary medicine,…
AVMA news
New Arkansas vet tech legislation poses risks to veterinary patients, clients, and practices
The Arkansas state legislature recently adopted a law that will expand veterinary technician specialists’ (VTS) scope of practice. Another bill still…
AVMA news
AVMA CEO addresses workforce trends
Speaking to animal health industry leaders this August, AVMA CEO Dr. Janet Donlin talked about the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary…
AVMA news
VCPR requirements fuel state legislative activity
The issue of whether to establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) through an in-person examination or solely electronic means has…
blog
Here’s one promising approach to address rural veterinary shortages
There are veterinarians who want to work in rural areas of America but are unable to do so—for financial reasons. The great news is that legislation…
blog
Chart of the Month: Pet owners equate in-person visits with best care
Though some argue that a virtual VCPR would increase access to care, results of a new survey of pet owners overwhelmingly suggest otherwise.