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…
policy
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…
blog
Conserving pentobarbital in times of shortage
As a means to address the current shortage of pentobarbital euthanasia solutions and extend available supplies, veterinarians might consider combining…
blog
Pentobarbital back orders and potential alternatives
AVMA has received reports of short-term back orders of pentobarbital. While avenues to resolve are being explored, here are possible alternatives for…
JAVMA news
Changes for Animal Welfare Symposium
The timing and topic of the AVMA Animal Welfare Symposium initially planned for 2012 have changed.
End-of-life care for your pet
End-of-life care for pets focuses on providing the best quality of life possible for a pet with a terminal disease or condition.
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
Spanish-language resources
Vea esta página en español The American Veterinary Medical Association has many items available for you to view, print and download for free in…
policy
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…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Quality-of-life assessment for exotic pets
When working with exotic pets, there are several considerations to take into account, including the animal’s environment, diet, behavior, company,…
policy
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…
CVTEA accreditation policies and procedures
Appendix b – Use of animals in veterinary technology teaching programs - Last update to this section: August 2022
State Advocacy Issue
Animal owners love their pets, and veterinarians love animals. But "guardian" is a legal term with significant legal implications and repercussions.
policy
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,…
AVMA policies relevant to waste disposal
The AVMA has a number of policies regarding disposal of animal waste, carcasses, medical waste, and pharmaceuticals as well as policies encouraging
JAVMA news
Caring for injured wildlife, step by step
A new AVMA chart helps navigate the often complex legal landscape associated with treating sick or injured wild animals and
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Supreme Court strikes down Calif. slaughter rules
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in January that the state of California cannot prohibit the slaughter of pigs that become
policy
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
JAVMA news
Production practices not justified by productivity
Dr. Jennifer Walker said public trust in farmers can be supported by, but not based on, science and economics.
policy
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…