AAHA recognizes that some animals have value to their owners that may exceed the animal’s market value. In determining the real monetary value of the animal, AAHA believes the purchase price, age and health of the animal, breeding status, pedigree, special training, veterinary expenses for the care of the animal’s injury or sickness related to the incident in question, and any particular economic utility the animal has to the owner should be considered.

Any extension of available remedies beyond economic damages would be inappropriate and would ultimately jeopardize efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery to animals. Therefore, AAHA opposes the potential recovery of non-economic damages.

Adopted by the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors June 2006. Last revised July 2012.