USAPA recognises companion animals as sentient beings, capable of experiencing both positive and negative affective states and emotions. Companion animal welfare should be protected by decreasing negative experiences and promoting positive ones.
USAPA defines animal welfare as the physical and psychological, social and environmental well-being of animals and believes that all veterinarians have a responsibility to lead and advocate for the best possible welfare outcomes.
USAPA through our global companion animal veterinary community will strive for the betterment of animal welfare by:
- Utilising the Five Animal Welfare Needs as a framework to ensure human caregivers provide for the basic welfare requirements of animals, which includes the needs
- For a suitable environment
- For a suitable diet
- To be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
- Considering animals in their wider ecological context and how decisions concerning animals impacts on wider society.
- Continuously educating our veterinarians and veterinary teams on animal welfare and behavior.
- Protecting animals in disasters and including animals in disaster-relief programs
- Managing animal populations and disease control in the most humane manner available and acceptable by society
