Primary care veterinary teams can take a more active role in managing cancer cases following the American Animal Hospital Association’s recent release of the 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
The guidelines provide detailed, practical information and structured protocols for general practitioners, who are often the first to identify cancer in pets. Covered topics include diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, chemotherapy updates, and client communication strategies.
The guidelines also emphasize the importance of a team-based approach to cancer care, recognizing the vital role of veterinary technicians, client service representatives, and administrative staff in supporting patients and families through diagnosis and treatment.
“The field of oncology has seen incredible advances over the past several years, and our oncology guidelines help practitioners make sense of it all, in addition to providing pragmatic and accessible guidance on the very important role primary care veterinarians play in creating the best possible outcomes for pets and families,” said Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, AAHA’s chief medical officer.
The 2026 guidelines encourage veterinary teams to work up cancer cases and initiate treatment discussions while awaiting referral. To support these efforts, the guidelines include:
- Tables summarizing common cancers in cats and dogs
- Diagnostic and staging protocols
- Updated information on oncology drugs and conditional approvals
- Guidance on surgical biopsy principles
- Chemotherapy handling and safety recommendations
- Palliative and supportive interventions to maintain quality of life
The document also includes communication tips to help teams navigate emotionally charged conversations, including delivering bad news, discussing prognoses, and setting expectations for treatment outcomes and quality of life. According to AAHA, primary care teams should initiate discussions on chemotherapy protocols and treatment goals, including a focus on quality-of-life preservation.
“The field of veterinary oncology continues to rapidly evolve, and, at the same rate, the human-animal bond grows stronger,” said Jaci Christensen, a veterinary technician specialist in oncology and cochair of the AAHA Oncology Guidelines task force. “These guidelines are designed to support the veterinarian through the complexity of oncologic care and, in doing so, contribute to the well-being of our companion animals.”
Designed for quick reference in clinical settings, the guidelines include updated tables summarizing tumor types, recommended diagnostic approaches by location, and an overview of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents.
Although many cases eventually require referral, the new guidelines empower primary care teams to engage clients early in the diagnostic process and facilitate a collaborative approach to long-term patient management with primary care and oncology specialists working together toward patient-centered goals.
The complete guidelines are available at go.navc.com/4qiuxZS.