The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including but not limited to comfort and pleasure, as well as negative states, such as pain, fear, and frustration. Accordingly, animals deserve appropriate care, consideration, and respect; that is, animals should experience both a Good Life and a humane death.

The three organizations adopted a revised position paper on this key issue.