The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently revised a piece of the Veterinarian’s Oath, in order to place more emphasis on animal welfare.

The newly revised section of the oath (additions underlined) reads: "Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."

The changes were adopted after being recommended by the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Committee. The AWC wanted to ensure that animal welfare is seen as a priority by veterinarians taking the oath. As part of its research, the committee reviewed veterinarian oaths of other English-speaking countries. Most of them also contain some mention of animal welfare, the AVMA said.

This is the third time the oath has been revised by the AVMA since the first version was adopted in 1954.