Pet ownership
Our pets can’t speak for themselves. As owners, we take on a responsibility to advocate for them and provide the support they need to live healthy,…
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UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
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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…
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
National Pet Week®
National Pet Week® honors the pets in our lives and promotes responsible pet ownership. Join us to celebrate pets and help give them the best lives…
7 Things you can do to keep your pet healthy
Weight management, exercise, regular veterinary exams, vaccination, and parasite prevention are among the most important ways to keep a pet healthy
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Live learning for your clients: Pets and mental health
AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson will help spread the word about the mental health benefits of pet ownership during a live social media event on March…
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Celebrate National Pet Week with resources for your clinic
The AVMA sponsors National Pet Week® in May each year to celebrate the special relationship between people and their pets, and to bring awareness to…
Selecting a pet for your family
Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you consider carefully what type of pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle.
Selecting a pet rabbit
Learn about rabbits to determine if a rabbit is the right pet for your family.
Zoonotic Diseases and Pets FAQ
Animals can carry diseases that people can catch. Get answers to commonly asked questions about disease risks related to pets.
Selecting a pet bird
A pet bird can make a wonderful addition to households, especially if there is limited space or family members are allergic to other animals.
Selecting a pet cat
Is a cat the right pet for you? Learn about selecting a pet cat for your family.
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Are pet adoptions really skyrocketing?
News reports on the popularity of pet adoptions during COVID-19 got AVMA’s economists thinking and wondering: Is there data to confirm the trend?
Traveling with your pet FAQ
What to think about when deciding to travel with a pet? Can you take your pet out of the country? Specific needs for travel by plane, boat, car, train…
Selecting a horse or pony
Learn about horse ownership and determine if a horse or pony is the right choice for you and your family.
Importance of wellness exams
Veterinarians recommend regular wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist do: if you can detect a problem in its early stages...
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New tool helps you understand your local market
How many potential clients and pets live in your local area? How many of those pets do you treat at your practice? If you’re not sure, then we have…
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.
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Toolkit helps you teach about dog bite prevention
Educate clients, community during Dog Bite Prevention Week® National Dog Bite Prevention Week® is being observed this week across the United States,…
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How does client income affect veterinary visits?
AVMA economists explore the question using research with dog-owning households.
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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Check the Chip Day reunites families
An orange tabby cat named T2 escaped from his owner's temporary home in Florida following a hurricane in 2004. Just this past March, he arrived in an…
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Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.