Position Statements and Informational Documents

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV) Board of Directors (BOD) has developed the following position statements in response to the growing demand from ASV members, state veterinary boards and animal shelters for guidelines and expert opinions on a variety of subjects that present common medical and management dilemmas. The input of outside experts has been sought when appropriate. It is recognized that animal shelters are widely divergent in their resources and missions and that no single health care protocol or position statement will be applicable or appropriate in every situation. These are offered primarily as a service to our members to help raise the standards of care for shelter medicine practice and should be used accordingly.

 

Some of our Position Statements have Informational Documents (Info Docs) associated with them listed as a freely-available resource on topics relevant to the practice of shelter medicine. These documents serve to supplement our Position Statements and provide referenced background information where appropriate and available.

 

ASV Position Statements

Position Statements Endorsed by ASV
ASV occasionally endorses position statements developed by other organizations when the ASV Board of Directors determines that the statement aligns with ASV's mission and supports the health and welfare of animals and the practice of shelter medicine.The statements below were developed and are maintained by the organizations indicated. ASV's endorsement signifies support for the position expressed but does not indicate authorship of the statement.

NACA's position statement regarding the declawing of domestic cats.
Developed by: National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA)
Endorsed by ASV: September 2026

Position Statement Process

Position statements are reviewed at a minimum of once every 5 years. New position statements or revision of existing statements may be suggested by ASV members at any time by writing to [email protected]. Creation and revision of Position Statements will follow ASV Standard Operating Procedures.

Position Statements Currently Under Review and Available for Member Comment

  • None at this time

 

Information Document Process

Info Docs undergo a rigorous drafting and review process according to ASV standard operating procedures, including independent expert review, prior to publication and are reviewed at a minimum of once every 5 years.