policy
Dog bite prevention
Veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. View AVMA’s policy on dog bite…
policy
AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines
All cats should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many cats, more frequent visits may be appropriate. The AVMA and the American…
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
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AAHA-AVMA canine preventive healthcare guidelines
All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate.
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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…
AVMA news
HOD discusses constraints of providing emergency care, updates to model practice act
The AVMA House of Delegates discussed the responsibility to provide emergency care as well as needed updates to the AVMA Model Veterinary Practice…
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Notification to the veterinarian of violative residues in foods of animal origin
Veterinarians have an essential role in preventing such violations and ensuring the appropriate and judicious use of pharmaceuticals on food animal…
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Zoonotic disease education
The AVMA supports zoonotic disease education programs for physicians, allied health professionals, veterinarians, and other animal care professionals…
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Veterinarians practicing aquatic animal medicine
Aquatic animal veterinarians in the U.S. care for animals and protect public health, diagnosing disease, performing surgery, evaluating and…
JAVMA news
Pet relocation guidelines reflect lessons learned
The AVMA and Association of Shelter Veterinarians in March released best practices for relocation of shelter animals programs to prevent the spread of…
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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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UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners’ (AASRP) stewardship guidelines
The AVMA has endorsed these antimicrobial stewardship guidelines developed by the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.
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AAFP/AAHA antimicrobial stewardship guidelines
The AVMA has endorsed these guidelines developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and American Animal Hospital Association…
AVMA news
AVMA webinars help veterinarians navigate opioid epidemic
Three new drug-related webinars are available on demand on AVMA Axon to help veterinarians meet their state’s continuing education (CE) requirements…
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Delivery of veterinary service by not-for-profit/tax-exempt organizations
The AVMA supports the worthwhile work of veterinary not-for-profit and tax-exempt clinics and hospitals, and believes they should comply with…
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Veterinary dentistry
Veterinary dentistry, oral medicine, and oral surgery are part of the practice of veterinary medicine and are regarded as such under state veterinary…
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Antimicrobial stewardship definition and core principles
These principles can be used to develop antimicrobial stewardship plans in any veterinary practice setting.
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WVA position statement on use of horses for production of biologics and therapeutics
The AVMA endorses this position statement developed by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) on the use of horses for production of biologics and…
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UNDER REVIEWJudicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials
Judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials is a core principle of the broader goal of antimicrobial stewardship.
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the benefits of animal vaccination programs in advancing animal and human health
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
JAVMA news
HOD adopts policies on cribbing, microchipping animals
In January, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt a new policy on humanely managing horse cribbing and a revised policy concerning…
policy
AASV basic guidelines of judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials in swine
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians and AVMA both support these guidelines on judicious therapeutic antimicrobial use in pork production.