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
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
Veterinary internship guidelines
Internships should prepare veterinarians for high-quality service in practice or advanced specialty training. These guidelines establish reasonable…
policy
AVMA policy on veterinary technology
The AVMA recognizes the value of veterinary technicians as an integral component of veterinary medicine and urges full utilization of veterinary…
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
Surgical procedures for nonveterinary students
AVMA does not advocate for the instruction of nonveterinary students in surgical procedures.
policy
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…
policy
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures demand a licensed veterinarian's extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology,…
policy
Veterinary ergonomic guidelines
Discover risk factors that could lead to musculo-skeletal injury, examples of related tasks in veterinary medicine, and what to do if you identify a…
policy
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…
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…
JAVMA news
HOD to deliberate on declawing
AVMA House of Delegates also to consider microchips, cribbing, use of technology
blog
Member interests drive House of Delegates action
Member input is a central component of the AVMA’s approach to governance. When your AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) gathers twice a year to conduct…
JAVMA news
AVMA revises declawing policy
Policy discourages procedure but defers to veterinarians on each case
policy
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…
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
policy
Safeguarding care for animals with veterinarian-led teams
The AVMA will vigorously defend the practice of veterinary medicine—including the ability to diagnose, prognose, develop treatment plans, prescribe,…
AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
AVMA news
AVMA pledges to 'vigorously defend' against expanding scope of practice
Broadening nonveterinarians' scope of practice would compromise the quality of veterinary care, thus threatening animal and public health, according…