Official position2015Open access
Kindness is built into good clinical behavior care
Clinical guideline emphasizing humane handling, low-stress behavior care, early assessment, and client education.
“Veterinarians must institute a culture of kindness and avoid punitive training or management methods.”
Source details
Source
2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines
AAHA Behavior Guidelines Task Force
American Animal Hospital Association
Evidence level
Official position
Credibility
Last reviewed
May 30, 2026
Why we included it
Links force-free principles with broader veterinary best practice.
WelfareGeneral