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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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Assessment of new therapies for alleviation of pain in animals
Assessing the efficacy of analgesics used in veterinary clinical practice requires well-designed and appropriately controlled experimental clinical…
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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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UNDER REVIEWAVMA policy to promote veterinary medical research and discovery
The AVMA recognizes that veterinary medical research is fundamental to the continued advancement of evidence-based veterinary practice.
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AVMA support of comparative medicine programs at the National Institutes of Health
AVMA recommends that NIH expand opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary students to take part in scientific education and training, research…
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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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Comparative medicine and translational research
Comparative medicine studies the similarities and differences in biology among animals to enhance the understanding of mechanisms of human and animal…
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Creation and use of genetically modified animals as research models
Creation and use of genetically modified animals for investigating diseases affecting animals and people should not be needlessly restricted and…
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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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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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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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Establishment and use of veterinary clinical studies committees
All veterinary clinical research conducted on client-owned animals should be performed with oversight that ensures the safe and ethical treatment of…
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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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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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Genetic modification of animals in agriculture
Genetic research and the practical application of that knowledge in farm-raised* animals should be encouraged.
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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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UNDER REVIEWJohne's disease
Johne's is a disease of significant economic importance to cattle and small ruminants.
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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…