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,…
U.S. pet ownership statistics
See numbers of pets, pet-owning households, veterinary visits, and veterinary expenditures in the United States.
policy
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.
JAVMA news
Survey identifies barriers to pet ownership
A new survey has found that barriers to pet ownership include not only expenses and lifestyle factors but also a dislike of cats and grief over the…
JAVMA news
Pet ownership stable, veterinary care variable
Americans still love their pets, with more than half of U.S. households owning a pet at year-end 2016, but 27.0 percent of pet-owning households…
AVMA news
Pet ownership rate stabilizes as spending increases
Highlights from the latest AVMA pet ownership survey show the size of the U.S. pet population stabilizing after an increase in dog ownership in 2020…
JAVMA news
AVMA offers posters on responsible pet ownership
The AVMA has created educational posters with messages from the new AVMA Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership.
AVMA news
New report takes a deep dive into pet ownership
The new 2022 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook examines types of pet owners, spending on veterinary care, veterinary visits, and client…
AVMA news
Study explores pandemic-specific challenges of pet ownership
Whether related to work interruptions or fears of catching SARS-CoV-2, pets were a source of not only comfort but also potentially stress for many pet…
policy
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...
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
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.
AVMA news
AVMA celebrates National Pet Week 2022
Created in 1981, National Pet Week aims to foster responsible pet ownership, recognize the human-animal bond, and increase public awareness of the…
JAVMA news
Auxiliary promotes pet health for National Pet Week
"Healthy Pets Make Happy Homes" is the message that the Auxiliary to the AVMA will be spreading for National Pet Week 2012, May 6-12.
JAVMA news
Laws take aim at wildlife pets
On June 2, Minnesota became the latest state to prohibit residents from possessing dangerous wild animals as pets.
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.
JAVMA news
Policy changes relate to pets, livestock
The AVMA Executive Board has made some noteworthy policy changes relating to companion animals and production animals.
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA, Auxiliary celebrate National Pet Week
The AVMA is celebrating A Lifetime of Love again for National Pet Week 2018, May 6-12, and this year's theme for the Auxiliary to the AVMA is "Barks,…
JAVMA news
Pets to live in apartments at new domestic violence shelter
When a pet is part of a family shattered by domestic violence, the pet's life is in peril and the family faces yet another obstacle to survival.