Educational Resources
Prereq: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students or (Instructor Permission or Permission of College Approver)
The objective of this course is to develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of animal welfare, in terms of science, ethics and cultural components.
Credits: 1
Prereq: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students or (Instructor Permission or Permission of College Approver)
Normal and abnormal behavior of domestic animals. Offered odd-numbered years.
Credits: 1
Contact Hours: Lecture 1
Prereq: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students or (Instructor Permission or Permission of College Approver)
Two-week course for senior veterinary students to gain skills for collecting and interpreting animal welfare data, aid clients with identifying and achieving welfare goals, and assisting law enforcement with animal cruelty response. Field trips to food animal and companion animal facilities are mandatory. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Credits: 2
Prereq: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students or (Instructor Permission or Permission of College Approver)
Preceptorship in animal behavior and welfare with emphasis on animal behavior and/or welfare assessment, problem solving, interventions to treat and prevent animal behavior and/or welfare cases. Mentors include practicing veterinarians, professionals consulting on animal behavior and welfare, and/or animal welfare organizations. Biosecurity: all students must follow current College of Veterinary Medicine policies regarding animal contact following foreign travel. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Credits: 1-6. Repeatable.
Explore fundamental and applied approaches to animal welfare science, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation of results. Topics selected will reflect student interests, and may include animal welfare assessment and assurance, animal cognition, pain assessment and mitigation, and animal models used in biomedical research.
Credits: 3
Animal Welfare Resources
Humane Euthanasia
Euthanasia, while difficult, is sometimes the most humane option for alleviating severe animal suffering. Veterinarians and livestock professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to perform this procedure effectively.
You will learn:
- Criteria for euthanasia.
- Species-specific anatomical guides for proper use of penetrating captive bolts or firearms.
- Confirmation of death.
Intended for veterinarians, livestock owners, transporters, market operators, and enforcement personnel, this resource supports humane, efficient euthanasia practices in field conditions.
Student Organizations
CVM Animal Welfare Club
The Animal Welfare Club explores the science, ethics and practical applications of different issues relating to quality of life of animals and their care. The primary focus of this club is domesticated species used for companionship, food, research and entertainment. Our activities include guest speakers, field trips and preparing for the Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging Contest.
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – Student Chapter
Educate students and the public about the importance of animal behavior as it pertains to Vet Med livestock production, safety, and pet behavior problems and or training.
Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging Contest
An educational tool for enhancing understanding and awareness of welfare issues affecting animals used for human purposes (e.g., agriculture, research, companionship). The contest teaches ethical reasoning, encourages objective assessment of animal welfare on the basis of scientific theory and data, promotes critical thinking, and improves communication skills.
Discover More
Reach out to Dr. Suzanne Millman for information on club and chapter opportunities