This site has been provided as a convenience to assist with issues related to companion animals. Please note that the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and its regulations do not apply to many companion animal problems.
Wholesale breeders, dealers, exhibitors and research labs are covered but not small retail breeders and pet shops selling only domestic pet animals. These are usually covered by local (state, county) anti-cruelty laws. If you have concerns about a facility covered under the Act, contact APHIS Animal Care.
Pet Food Regulation US Food and Drug Administration. The FDA regulates the can of cat food, bag of dog food, or box of dog treats or snacks in your pantry. Learn about recalls and how to report a complaint.
Pet Food Task Force USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service. Information from the Pet Food Task Force, established in 2004 by the National Organic Standards Board to develop labeling standards for organic pet food.
The Merck Veterinary Manual Merck & Co., Inc. A comprehensive electronic reference for animal care information that includes over 12,000 indexed topics and over 1200 illustrations. Rapidly searchable by topic, species, specialty, disease, and keyword.
Animal Welfare Policy Statements American Veterinary Medical Association.
Position statements covering recommendations on antimicrobial use, euthanasia, abuse, pain, and other important animal welfare concerns.
