policy
UNDER REVIEWPet health insurance
The AVMA endorses the concept of pet health insurance that provides coverage to help defray the cost of veterinary care and encourages veterinary…
policy
Pesticide application
Veterinarians and regular employees under direct veterinarian supervision should retain current exemptions from certification in order to apply all…
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
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,…
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Pain in animals
Drugs, techniques, or husbandry methods should be used to prevent, minimize, and relieve pain in animals.
policy
Ownership and/or possession and appropriate disposition of wild and exotic pet species or their hybrids
The AVMA is concerned with animal welfare, husbandry, infectious diseases, public health and safety, and environmental impacts associated with…
policy
Ownership vs guardianship
Any change in terminology describing the relationship between animals and owners, including guardian, doesn’t strengthen this relationship, and may,…
policy
Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
policy
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…
policy
Occupational safety and health
AVMA maintains an active dialog with OSHA about veterinary compliance with OSHA practices, and informs OSHA on standards compatible and consistent…
policy
Notification to the veterinarian of violative residues in foods of animal origin
Veterinarians have an essential role in preventing such violations and ensuring the appropriate and judicious use of pharmaceuticals on food animal…
policy
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…
policy
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…
policy
National surveillance for zoonotic infectious diseases
The AVMA recognizes the importance of and supports the need for national surveillance for zoonotic diseases of public health importance in animals and…
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
National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)
The AVMA recognizes the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) as a resource for information on antimicrobial resistance trends…
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Model policy on harassment and discrimination-free veterinary workplace
This model policy is intended as a starting point for veterinarians. Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws may differ greatly from state to…
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…
policy
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…
policy
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…
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
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,…
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Marketing claims regarding agricultural animal food products
Understand when the AVMA believes a veterinarian should be involved in processes and practices that underlie marketing claims for animal-derived food…
policy
Management of mares used in the pregnant mare urine (PMU) collection industry
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' position statement on Management of Mares Used in the Pregnant Mare Urine…