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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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Annual meeting of the voting members of the AVMA
The annual meeting of voting members of the AVMA occurs concurrently with the plenary session at the House of Delegates' winter meeting.
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MEMBERS ONLYAVMA conflict of interest policy for volunteers
The integrity of the AVMA and its activities depends on the avoidance of conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of such conflicts, by the…
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AVMA policy on diversity and inclusion
The AVMA is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of veterinary medicine so that we can best serve the animals, the public, and AVMA…
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AVMA's role in international activities
The AVMA will continue to strengthen its leadership role in international organizations relevant to the Association’s mission and vision.
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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Codex Alimentarius Commission
AVMA will promote inclusion of an AVMA representative in the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and appropriate committees and task…
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Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
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Complementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary medicine
All aspects of veterinary medicine should be held to the same standards, including complementary, alternative and integrative veterinary medicine,…
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Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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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…
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Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures demand a licensed veterinarian's extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology,…
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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…
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UNDER REVIEWModel Veterinary Practice Act
The AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act is intended to serve as a set of guiding principles for those who are, or will be, preparing or revising a…
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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…
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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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Relationship of AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations with veterinary specialty organizations in other parts of the world
Contact and collaboration with veterinary specialists and organizations outside North America will lead to improvements in animal health worldwide.
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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,…
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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…