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…
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.
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
policy
UNDER REVIEWPets in senior, disabled, and multifamily public housing
The AVMA supports legislation to provide for ownership of pets in public and assisted housing for the elderly and disabled families, and in…
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
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.
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.
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.
blog
December webinars: Ways to help your community
This blog was updated 12/10/2018 to reflect changes made to the webinar "Caring for Pets of the Sick and Elderly: Leadership in your Community".…
JAVMA news
Veterinarians can earn certificate in human-animal bond
Practicing veterinarians as well as veterinary technicians and practice managers can now learn more about research backing the human health benefits…
JAVMA news
Pediatrics article says veterinarians influence children's health
Exotic pets pose risks to young children's health, but veterinarians can help parents improve safety
JAVMA news
Efforts to make workplaces, housing more pet-friendly take root
The Pet Leadership Council, in partnership with Mars Petcare and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, is leading a pilot program to make…
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...
policy
Canine hybrids
The AVMA strongly opposes keeping as pets any hybrids of wild canines crossbred with domestic animals. The AVMA believes that commercial traffic in…
Dog bite prevention toolkit
Bring science-based dog bite prevention information to your community during National Dog Bite Prevention Week and year round.
blog
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,…
policy
The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.