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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 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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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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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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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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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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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…
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Ownership vs guardianship
Any change in terminology describing the relationship between animals and owners, including guardian, doesn’t strengthen this relationship, and may,…
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Physical restraint of animals
Humane and safe handling may include using manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal's normal voluntary movement for the purposes…
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UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
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UNDER REVIEWResearch dogs and cats adoption
The following factors should be considered when developing a research institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption.
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Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…
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The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.