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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…
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
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
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New law benefits military working dogs, pets
AVMA helped secure the federal law, which will improve the health and welfare of military working dogs and promote responsible dog ownership on…
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.
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…
AVMA news
Recommendations for preventing spread of zoonoses from nontraditional pets
The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has published a series of…
JAVMA news
New guidance for pets exposed to rabies
New guidance in this issue of the JAVMA advises that cats and dogs that are exposed to rabies and are overdue for a vaccine can have a booster shot…
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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…
JAVMA news
Educational DVD promotes rabies prevention
The AVMA and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control have produced an educational DVD to promote rabies
JAVMA news
Military to track combat injuries in working dogs
A military spending bill passed by Congress at the start of the new year includes provisions that will improve the health and welfare of military…
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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…
JAVMA news
FDA hosting meetings on antimicrobial use
The Food and Drug Administration, with co-sponsorship from the Department of Agriculture, is hosting meetings through June to give
JAVMA news
In Puerto Rico, time measured before and after Maria
The wrath of Maria, one of the worst natural disasters to strike Puerto Rico, disrupted life on the island for months afterward.
Transporting Horses and Other Equids
When considering interstate or international travel for your horse or other equids, plan ahead because some preparations may need to start months in…
AVMA news
USDA proposed rulemaking to strengthen regulations for handling wild, exotic animals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is soliciting public comment on a plan to strengthen regulations for…
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UNDER REVIEWWildlife-livestock interactions
The AVMA supports use of science-based evidence and peer-reviewed research to direct wildlife-livestock management policies, and funding to research…
JAVMA news
Reptile owner donates blood, passes on lethal Salmonella infection
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that a snake is the source of a Salmonella organism that infected two platelet recipients
JAVMA news
Japan's animal relief operations face considerable challenges
Japan is in the throes of what is known in the disaster and emergency management community as a "cascading disaster."
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
JAVMA news
APHIS considers stricter animal welfare licensing
Rules proposed in August would make researchers and animal dealers provide more proof they comply with federal animal welfare laws to
JAVMA news
Volunteer for Our Oath in Action projects
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is seeking volunteers this fall for Our Oath in Action, a veterinary outreach program with projects across…
JAVMA news
AAFP updates guidelines on feline zoonoses
Many benefits come with having pet cats, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, but education is key to prevent transmission…
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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.