Advocating for necessary veterinary medical therapy

The AVMA supports animal care policies that allow for judicious use of safe and effective antimicrobial therapies or other medications by veterinarians in the context of a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Good animal welfare requires proper veterinary care which includes necessary medical therapy. Veterinarians should uphold the health and wellbeing of their patients as their primary responsibility over animal care policies, production practices, marketing programs or any other competing interests that otherwise would direct the withholding of necessary medical therapy for relief from pain and disease. Veterinarians in consultation with their clients should advocate for animal production programs that provide alternative plans for animals that receive a medication prohibited by any specific marketing program.