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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 agriculture manure management
The AVMA supports appropriate efforts and actions to prevent negative environmental impacts from wastes generated by terrestrial or aquatic animal…
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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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UNDER REVIEWAppropriate animal carcass disposal
The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality…
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Aquatic ecosystems
The AVMA recognizes the pressing need to ensure the future health of aquatic animals and the ecosystems that support them. Veterinarians can and…
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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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Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
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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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Conservation of wildlife
The AVMA recognizes the vital role of wildlife in the human-animal-environment complex and that wildlife conservation is most effectively addressed…
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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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Disinfectants for foreign and emerging animal diseases
The AVMA strongly advocates for and supports maintaining U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exemptions for the use of disinfectants against foreign…
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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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UNDER REVIEWEnvironmental responsibility is a One Health issue
The AVMA supports environmental responsibility, including these specific measures.
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UNDER REVIEWExtractive industries
AVMA supports objective scientific research on extractive industries' impacts on animal health, foods of animal and plant origin, and the environment.
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Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
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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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Global climate change and One Health
The AVMA encourages research and education to enhance understanding of how climate change impacts animal, human, and ecosystem health.
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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.