policy
UNDER REVIEWAccredited veterinarian utilization and program resources
USDA-accredited veterinarians are vital to animal and public health.
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
Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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Aquatic veterinary practice in U.S. waters outside state jurisdiction
Licensed, federally accredited veterinarians must be used in aquaculture systems within U.S. waters outside of state jurisdiction. Criteria for…
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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…
policy
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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UNDER REVIEWColleges/schools of veterinary medicine infrastructure funding
The AVMA supports federal and state funding to build infrastructure and provide ongoing support for faculty and programs to increase human resource…
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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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Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
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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…
policy
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which defines dietary supplements for use in humans, does not apply to products intended for…
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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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Extralabel use of medicated feeds, including veterinary feed directive drugs, for minor species
The AVMA supports regulatory discretion in enforcing extralabel use of medicated feeds in minor species under veterinary oversight.
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Federal guidance on integrating animal issues into emergency issues
The AVMA strongly recommends periodic review of federal guidance on disaster preparedness, response and recovery to improve support for animal owners…
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UNDER REVIEWForeign animal disease laboratory
The AVMA actively seeks continued adequate congressional funding for the upgrading, maintenance, operation, or rebuilding of the United States'…
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Funding of the New Animal Drug Application (NADA) and Abbreviated New Animal Drug Application (ANADA) approval process
To help ensure adequate availability of veterinary drugs, the AVMA supports increased funding of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine for the NADA…
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UNDER REVIEWGovernment fees and taxes on veterinary products and services
Government entities should consider the possible negative effects on human health, animal health and animal welfare that may result from fees or taxes…
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Legislative discrimination
The AVMA cannot stand quietly when any characteristic is used as a basis of discrimination.
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Licensure, liability and workers' compensation coverage for veterinarians and veterinary technicians responding to declared emergencies out of state
AVMA encourages interstate recognition of licenses/credentials of veterinarians/veterinary technicians officially responding to state-declared…
policy
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…