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AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
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Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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Unregulated horse racing (Bush tracks)
The AVMA condemns unregulated racing of equids. All horse races should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well…
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UNDER REVIEWVeterinary end-of-life care
Pet owners facing terminal illness in companion animals may desire veterinary end-of-life care for their pets. The animal's comfort and quality of…
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AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals help members of the veterinary profession make decisions that support animal welfare in emergency…
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Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
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UNDER REVIEWAppropriate animal carcass disposal
The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality…
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Microchip identification of companion animals and equids
The AVMA endorses the implantation of electronic identification in companion animals and equids and supports standardization in materials, procedures,…
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Guidelines for the humane slaughter of animals
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals provide guidance for veterinarians to prevent pain and distress in animals designated for…
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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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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…
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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.
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UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
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UNDER REVIEWTransport, sale yard practices, and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry
The AVMA supports science-based guidelines for transport and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry, developed in collaboration with experienced…
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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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Annual rabies vaccination waiver
Waivers of rabies vaccination should only be issued with approval from the appropriate public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed…
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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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Veterinary compounding
Compounding is the customized manipulation of a drug by a veterinarian, or by a pharmacist upon the prescription of a veterinarian, to meet the needs…
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Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the global control of dog-mediated rabies: A One Health imperative
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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Principles of veterinary medical ethics of the AVMA
All veterinarians are expected to adhere to a progressive code of ethical conduct known as the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.
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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…