Nonprofit · Evidence-based · Since 2005

Helping pets live healthier lives.

Resources to help you understand body condition, start better conversations, and take the next step together.

Pet Owner Resources Veterinary Resources

October 2026

October is World Pet Obesity Month

Check your pet’s body condition, take part in APOP’s research, and find pet-first guidance for conversations about weight and health. Both 2026 surveys stay open through December 31.

Explore World Pet Obesity Month
First page of the JAVMA article: Should veterinarians apply a 2-step framework to classify adiposity and diagnose clinical obesity in dogs and cats?

New in JAVMA

Open access · October 7, 2026

A 2-step framework to diagnose clinical obesity in dogs and cats

A body condition score shows how much fat a pet carries, not whether that fat is causing harm. A new peer-reviewed Viewpoint by Ernie Ward and Julie Churchill separates the two: classify adiposity first, then use the Three A’s to diagnose clinical obesity.

Ward E, Churchill JA · J Am Vet Med Assoc · doi.org/10.2460/javma.26.06.0499

Read the article Explore the framework at WPOA

The framework page is hosted at worldpetobesity.org by the World Pet Obesity Association, a separate organization also founded by Dr. Ward.

Now Available

2026 Pet Obesity Communication Guidelines

Practical, pet-first guidance for clearer conversations about body condition, excess weight, and obesity in veterinary care and public communication.

Explore the Communication Guidelines
Version 2.0 · 2026
  • Pet-first
  • Clinically clear
  • Consistent language

Resources & tools

Practical help for pets and the people who care for them

Start with a resource hub or go directly to a frequently used APOP tool.

Pet owners

Pet Owner Resources

Body condition, feeding, calories, treats, healthy-weight guidance, and practical next steps.

Explore owner resources
Assessment

Body & muscle condition

Dog, cat, rabbit, and horse BCS charts, plus the dog and cat Muscle Condition Score chart.

View BCS & MCS charts
Calculators

Dog & cat calorie tools

Estimate daily needs, feeding amounts, current intake, and treat calories.

Choose a calculator
New guide

How to read a pet food label

Find calories, feeding directions, nutritional adequacy, and the label details that matter.

Explore the label guide

2026 Surveys

Take part in APOP's 2026 research

Help APOP measure body condition in dogs and cats, or share your views on pet weight and nutrition. Choose the survey for you.

Veterinary clinics · Oct. 1–Dec. 31

2026 Prevalence Survey

Choose a day, two days, or one week to record eligible dogs and cats. Qualifying U.S. clinics receive a $50 staff-time stipend after at least 15 complete, eligible records pass review.

Register your clinic Survey details
Veterinary teams & pet owners · Open through Dec. 31

Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey

Share your perspective on pet body condition, feeding, weight management, nutrition, and veterinary communication.

Take the opinion survey

About APOP

Advancing healthier body condition since 2005

APOP is a nonprofit organization supporting pet owners and veterinary teams through prevalence research, body condition assessment tools, practical education, and evidence-based guidance for obesity care.

Learn about APOP
Since 2005

A focused mission

APOP works to improve how excess body fat and obesity-related health risks are recognized, discussed, prevented, and treated.

Prevalence research

Measuring what matters

Clinic-based surveys and owner opinion studies help reveal body condition trends, perception gaps, and opportunities to improve care.

Clinical tools

Assessment made practical

BCS and MCS charts, calculators, guides, and client resources support consistent assessment and individualized care.

Collaboration

Clearer standards

APOP works with veterinary and animal-health partners to strengthen definitions, communication, and obesity care.

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