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.
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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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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…
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.
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…
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Model bill and regulations to assure appropriate care for dogs intended for use as pets
This resource can serve as a guide for legislators and other government officials involved in developing legislation and regulations to assure…
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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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…
Human-animal bond
The human-animal bond is beneficial to the mental, physical, and social health of people and animals. Veterinarians play an important role in…
Dog bite prevention toolkit
Bring science-based dog bite prevention information to your community during National Dog Bite Prevention Week and year round.
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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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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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.