Veterinarians agree to protect animal and public health when they pledge the Veterinarian’s Oath. It is the responsibility of veterinarians to maintain patient health by routine examinations, preventative strategies, and client education. When a medical condition exists it is important to obtain an accurate clinical diagnosis whenever possible. Once the decision is reached to use antimicrobial therapy, veterinarians strive to optimize therapeutic efficacy, minimize resistance to antimicrobials, and protect public and animal health.

The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners are committed to the following objectives as developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Steering Committee on Judicious Therapeutic Antimicrobial Use:

• Support research efforts for development of a scientific knowledge base that provides the basis for judicious therapeutic antimicrobial use.
• Support educational efforts that promote judicious therapeutic antimicrobial use. Preserve therapeutic efficacy of antimicrobials.
• Continue to develop antimicrobial monitoring systems to determine resistance patterns. Ensure current and future availability of veterinary antimicrobials.