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
AVMA offers posters on responsible pet ownership
The AVMA has created educational posters with messages from the new AVMA Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership.
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
JAVMA news
Restricting ownership of wild animals
Ohio residents have received or sought permits to continue owning about 300 primates
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
Campaign helps veterinarians tout health benefits of pets
Zoetis partnered with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute to launch the Pet Effect campaign in February to promote the health benefits of pet…
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.
JAVMA news
Spending up on pets, including for veterinary care
The American Pet Products Association estimates a 6.1 percent increase in spending on veterinary care for 2013-2014.
JAVMA news
Auxiliary promotes National Pet Week
The Auxiliary to the AVMA will spread the message “Celebrate a Healthy Pet” for National Pet Week 2014, May 4-10.
JAVMA news
AVMA, Auxiliary celebrate National Pet Week
The AVMA is celebrating “A Lifetime of Love” for National Pet Week 2017, May 7-13, and the Auxiliary to the AVMA is spreading the message that “People…
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
Conference charts one-health approach to addressing obesity in pets, people
A recent conference charted a one-health approach to addressing obesity in pets and people, and a consensus statement reflecting the key outcomes and…
JAVMA news
AVMA passes policy on responsible pet breeding
The AVMA House of Delegates has passed a policy that supports minimizing inherited disorders in the breeding of dogs, cats, and other companion…
JAVMA news
Millennials now primary pet-owning demographic
The American Pet Products Association reports that millennials are now the primary pet-owning demographic, at 35 percent of U.S. pet owners to baby…
JAVMA news
Befriending reptiles and amphibians
There are many more of us out there with exotic pets who are interested in taking care of them well.
JAVMA news
State’s divorce law revamped to consider animal well-being
Alaska’s has become the first in the country to require courts to take into consideration “the well-being of the animal” in custody disputes involving…
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…
policy
The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
JAVMA news
Our other furry friends
Veterinarians who work with exotic companion mammals say each species has its attractions as well as its challenges.