policy
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,…
AVMA news
Shelter veterinarians update care guidelines
The latest iteration of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ standard-of-care guidelines updates the original 12-year-old document and includes…
JAVMA news
AASV: Sick pigs need aid, regardless of marketing plans
Pigs should receive care to prevent suffering even if that precludes sale of pork as antibiotic free, according to the American
JAVMA news
AAHA updates Canine Life Stage Guidelines
Veterinary teams should consider each dog’s age and lifestyle factors when making recommendations on care, according to the document.
JAVMA news
AVMF fund bridges gap between owners in need, veterinary costs
Providing greater access to veterinary care for low-income pet owners remains an ongoing concern in the profession.
Animal health and welfare
Veterinarians and veterinary teams are committed to protecting the health and welfare of animals. AVMA has many tools and resources to help.
JAVMA news
Finding calm amid the chaos
The stigma associated with mental illness often prevents veterinarians from discussing the topic, let alone seeking help
JAVMA news
When should a pet be allowed to suffer pain?
In his line of work as owner of Compassionate Veterinary Hospice in Chicago, Dr. Amir Shanan comes in contact daily with people who hold commonly held…
JAVMA news
Research delayed, rodent populations reduced during pandemic
Universities delayed new studies this spring to reduce contact among people, including researchers and animal caregivers. Those delays often involved…
JAVMA news
Wood chippers not to be used to euthanatize poultry, AVMA says
Use of wood chippers has not been endorsed by the AVMA as an acceptable means of euthanasia for poultry.
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
JAVMA news
Counting animals in shelters and sharing data
The National Database Project as a platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data.
JAVMA news
Horse racing deaths decreasing in California
Equine fatalities in California horse racing have declined 50% over the past two years, dropping from 144 to 72, reported the California Horse Racing…
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…
JAVMA news
For human needs, some veterinary clinics are turning to a professional
Veterinarians aren’t always equipped to deal with every moral, ethical, and emotional dilemma they encounter with clients.
Euthanasia
Eventually, many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets. Although euthanasia is a personal decision, it doesn’t need to…
JAVMA news
Swine veterinarians find disease lessons in COVID-19
Swine veterinarians say the responses to COVID-19—and the vulnerabilities uncovered—will help them combat infectious diseases in swine going forward.
JAVMA news
Unmasking the shelter dog
Now, more than ever, it’s important to understand the behavior of animals in shelters, according to the keynote speaker at the National Council on Pet…
JAVMA news
Simulation study compares cat population reduction methods
A simulation model used in a recent study provides insights into the value of administering a temporary, nonsurgical