What organization sets the standards of veterinary medicine?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the organization that sets the standards for veterinary medicine in the United States. It is responsible for establishing guidelines and policies that influence veterinary practice, education, and the overall welfare of animals. The AVMA works to ensure the quality of veterinary services and the professionalism of veterinary practitioners through its accreditation standards, continuing education requirements, and various resources for veterinarians.

In contrast, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) focuses on setting standards specifically for companion animal practices and is more involved with practice management and accreditation within that niche. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) concentrates on the behavioral aspects of veterinary medicine and does not set overall veterinary standards. The American Veterinary Specialty Medical Association (AVSMA), while related to the specialty fields within veterinary medicine, does not have the same comprehensive scope as the AVMA when it comes to establishing broad standards for the entire veterinary profession.