ASPCA Policy and Position Statements
An Overview of ASPCA Programs and Activities
ASPCA Origin, Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles
1.1 Origins of the ASPCA
1.2 Vision
1.3 Mission
1.4 Guiding Principles
1.5 Overview of Policies and Positions
Companion Animals
Pet-Keeping Policies
2.1 Human/Companion Animal Bond
2.2 Definition of Companion Animal
2.3 Species Suitable to be Companion Animals
2.4 Definition of Responsible Guardian
2.5 Sources of Companion Animals
2.6 Criteria for Responsible Care
2.7 Obeying Local Laws
2.8 Life-long Care
2.9 Pets in Classrooms
2.10 Hoarding
Service Animal Policies
2.11 General Considerations
2.12 Animal-Assisted Interventions
2.13 Service, Assistance and Emotional Support Animals
Policies on Pet Overpopulation Issues
2.14 Companion Animal Birth Control
2.15 Pre-Adoption and Early-Age Sterilization
2.16 Spay/Neuter Programs
2.17 Laws That Limit or Prohibit Pets
2.18 Euthanasia
2.19 Animal Relocation for Adoption
2.20 Pound Seizure
2.21 No-Kill Community Coalitions
2.22 Asilomar Accords
Policies on Dangerous Dogs
2.23 Dangerous Dog Laws
2.24 Breed-Specific Legislation
2.25 Breed Profiling by Insurance Companies
2.26 The Use of Force by Law Enforcement
3.1 General Considerations
3.2 Confinement, Outdoor Access, Space & Enrichment
3.3 Genetics and Breeding
3.4 Physical Alterations
3.5 Handling and Worker Training
3.6 Transport
3.7 Slaughter
3.8 Antibiotics and Other Antimicrobials
3.9 Force Feeding and Starvation
3.10 Downed Animals
3.11 Cellular Agriculture
3.12 Conclusion
Animals in Research and Education
Animals in Research
4.1 General Considerations
4.2 Using Animals to Test Household Products and Cosmetics
4.3 Using Animals to Develop Medical Treatments
4.4 Using Animal Organs for Transplantation into Other Animals
4.6 Using Animals in Scientific Applications
Animals in Education
4.7 General Considerations
4.8 Dissection
4.9 Veterinary Medical Education
4.10 Students Who Object on Ethical Grounds
Animals in Entertainment, Sports and Work
Animals in Entertainment
5.1 General Considerations
5.2 Circuses and Traveling Shows
5.3 Roadside Zoos
5.4 Rodeo
5.5 Marine Mammal Shows
5.6 Animal Acts and Contests
5.7 Animal Actors
5.8 Racing
5.9 Fighting
5.10 Bestiality
Animals in Sport and Recreation
5.11 General Considerations
5.12 Dog Parks
5.13 Shows and Exhibitions
Working Animals
5.14 General Considerations
5.15 Guard Dogs
5.16 Working Dogs and Horses
5.17 Carriage Horses
5.18 Consumption of Horsemeat
5.19 Law Enforcement Animals
5.20 Military Animals
Wild Animals
6.1 Wild Horses and Burros
6.2 Hunting
6.3 Canned & Computer Hunting
6.4 Leg-Hold and Body-Gripping Traps
6.5 Rodent Control
6.6 Wildlife Roundups
6.7 Fur
6.8 Wild Animals as Pets
6.9 Animal Parts
6.10 Hides, Skins and Feathers
6.11 Farming Wildlife for Food
6.12 Use of Animals for Religious Purposes or Rituals
6.13 Zoos
Position Statements
Alternative Methods of Birth Control
Animal Abuser Registries
Animal Relocation for Adoption
Asilomar Accords: Definitions
Behavioral Pharmacology (Use in Shelters and Rescues)
Birds as Pets
Breed-Specific Bans
Breed-Specific Legislation
Community Cats
Criteria for Responsible Breeding
Dangerous Dog Laws
Data Collection & Reporting
Declawing Cats
Dog Chews/Treats
Elective (Cosmetic) Surgery
Euthanasia
Exotic Animals as Pets
Hoarding
Hybrids as Pets
Keeping Pets and People Together
Law Enforcement Response to Potentially Dangerous Dogs
Licensing
Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws
Microchips
Ownership/Guardianship
Pound Seizure
Pet Cloning
Pet Identification
Pets as Gifts
Pit Bulls
Protection of Animal Cruelty Victims
Reporting of Suspected Animal Cruelty by Licensed Veterinary Professionals
Responsibilities of Animal Shelters
Shelter Dog Behavior Assessments
Surgical Procedures for Resolving Undesirable Behavior
Training Aids and Methods
Veterinary Telemedicine
Zoos and Aquariums
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