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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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Animal loss support services
The grieving process when an animal dies is similar to that experienced by people who have lost a family member or close friend. View the AVMA’s…
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Animal-assisted interventions: Definitions
Animal-assisted interventions should be governed by basic standards, monitored regularly, and staffed by appropriately trained personnel. The health…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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AVMA guidelines on the identification of board-certified veterinarians
To identify one's diplomate status accurately and responsibly, it's important that board-certified veterinarians use very specific wording. this…
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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
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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…
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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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Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
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Disaster/Emergency pet sheltering preferences
The AVMA recommends use of the cohabitation sheltering model (sheltering as a family unit) during disasters and emergencies involving companion…
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Distinction between the process of board-certification and earning a certificate
The AVMA only recognizes as specialists those veterinarians certified by a board or college recognized by the AVMA American Board of Veterinary…
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Dog bite prevention
Veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. View AVMA’s policy on dog bite…
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Education and training in food safety, security and defense for veterinary medical professional and paraprofessional students
The AVMA recommends that state and federal entities develop and expand training programs for veterinary students in the area of food safety,…
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Emotional support animals
The AVMA encourages housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act or similar laws to ensure they understand and are fully compliant with their…
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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.
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UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
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Horse tripping
The AVMA opposes tripping, injuring or causing the death of horses, mules and donkeys for any entertainment purpose or during training for any…
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Human-animal interaction and the human-animal bond
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered…
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IAHAIO Rio Declaration on Pets in Schools
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Declaration on Pets in Schools.
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Internships and residency programs
Find definitions and program criteria for internships and residencies, as well as residency requirements.
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UNDER REVIEWJoint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on veterinary education
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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Model dog and cat control ordinance
The AVMA's Model Dog and Cat Control Ordinance is a guide for legislators and other government officials involved in developing animal control…
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NIH support of biomedical research training for veterinarians
Veterinarians play an important role in biomedical research that benefits animal, human, and environmental health. The AVMA strongly supports…
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UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
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Opportunities for engagement of U.S. veterinarians in international programs
The AVMA actively encourages programs to expand opportunities for, and improve the education and training of, United States veterinarians to be of…