The American Animal Hospital Association is opposed to ear cropping and/or tail docking in pets for cosmetic reasons.

Veterinarians should counsel and educate pet owners that these procedures should not be performed unless medically necessary. AAHA also encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.

Adopted by the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors March 1993. Revised November 1998. Last revised October 2009.