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Overview of Policies and Positions
The ASPCA is concerned with welfare issues of animals in the following categories:
- Companion animals
- Food animals and livestock
- Animals in research and education
- Animals in entertainment, sport and work
- Wild animals
In each of these areas the ASPCA has developed policies that express the society’s view regarding the appropriate treatment of animals. The ASPCA's policies are grounded in the belief that animals are inherently deserving of our respect, compassion and consideration of their needs. The ASPCA's policies are based on empirical evidence and are supported by scientific research that establishes animals' capacity to feel pain and suffer. ASPCA policies are articulated by senior staff and are reviewed and approved by the society's board of directors.
In addition to broad policies regarding the humane treatment of animals (example: all companion animals should receive appropriate veterinary care), the ASPCA develops positions in response to specific situations as they arise (example: all dogs should be vaccinated against rabies, but because some cats experience serious side effects to the rabies vaccine, the decision to vaccinate a cat against rabies is best left to the judgment of the veterinarian and the cat guardian).
This Web site posts policies and positions effective December 2008.
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