policy
AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines
All cats should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many cats, more frequent visits may be appropriate. The AVMA and the American…
policy
AAHA-AVMA canine preventive healthcare guidelines
All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAddressing the role of veterinary medicine in human health care following catastrophes involving mass human casualty
AVMA encourages authorities to address licensing, liability, policy and other issues to adequately recognize and validate the opportunity and benefits…
policy
Agriculture inspections at points of entry
The AVMA calls for the Department of Homeland Security to increase the scope, intensity, and innovation of agricultural inspections at points of…
policy
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…
policy
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
policy
Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
policy
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,…
policy
Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings
The AVMA endorses the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' 2017 Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with…
policy
Delivery of veterinary service by not-for-profit/tax-exempt organizations
The AVMA supports the worthwhile work of veterinary not-for-profit and tax-exempt clinics and hospitals, and believes they should comply with…
policy
Development of emerging disease agent biologics
Development of emerging infectious disease biologics is essential for One Health. The AVMA supports the development of these products through…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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…
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…
policy
Global food security
The AVMA supports the promotion of the veterinary profession’s many roles in advancing global food security. View the policy on global food security.
policy
Guidelines for use of exempt biologics
State-licensed veterinarians may consider preparing biologics in their practice facility under a VCPR in unique disease situations not adequately…
policy
Guidelines for use of autogenous biologics
Autogenous biological products may provide veterinarians a unique opportunity for control of certain infectious diseases when USDA-licensed commercial…
policy
UNDER REVIEWInfectious risk of animal carcasses in natural disasters
Animals that die from injuries, including massive animal deaths in cases of natural disasters, generally do not represent an infectious health hazard…
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,…
policy
Military veterinary treatment facilities (VTF)
Veterinary services performed by Army veterinarians are an important benefit for service members and their families, and will be provided across the…
policy
National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) funding
The AVMA advocates for funding to develop and maintain infrastructure for a comprehensive National Animal Health Laboratory Network so that the U.S.…
policy
Pasteurized milk ordinance somatic cell count standard
The AVMA supports revising the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance somatic cell count standard for Grade "A" raw milk from dairy cattle for pasteurization,…
policy
Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
policy
Public health and regulatory veterinary medicine continuing education
State and local associations, colleges, and departments of veterinary science should include in CE programs a representative offering of subjects on…