policy
Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…
policy
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
Surgical procedures for nonveterinary students
AVMA does not advocate for the instruction of nonveterinary students in surgical procedures.
JAVMA news
Laser guidelines encompass veterinarians
Laser safety in veterinary medicine is now an integral part of the American National Standards Institute's Z136.3 guidelines for the safe use of…
policy
Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
policy
Removal or reduction of teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores
The AVMA opposes removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or approved…
Ear cropping and canine otitis externa FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about ear cropping and canine otitis externa, including: Are dogs with hanging ears more likely to get ear…
JAVMA news
Colorado's new dean comes from wildlife background
Dr. Mark D. Stetter, former head of The Walt Disney Co's. animal operations, will take over as dean at Colorado State University's College of…
JAVMA news
Veterinarian leads committee for MEDLINE indexing
Dr. Mary M. Christopher is the first veterinarian on the committee that recommends which journals are to be indexed in MEDLINE and made available…
Welfare implications of tail docking of dogs
Peer-reviewed summary of scientific literature related to the welfare implications of amputation of part of a dog’s tail.
JAVMA news
MyVeterinarian.com clicks with clinics
More than 11,000 veterinary clinics have registered with MyVeterinarian.com, the AVMA's new online directory that allows the public to search for…
Dog bite risk and prevention: The role of breed
Peer-reviewed summary of scientific literature related to the role of breed in dog bite risk and prevention.
Canine tail docking FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about tail docking in dogs, including: Why is it done? Is it painful? Do dogs need tails?
JAVMA news
The bovine athlete
Bull riding has emerged from the world of rodeo over the past two decades as a multimillion-dollar sport followed by millions of fans.