How vet schools are transforming welfare outcomes through better training
Veterinary education is the most powerful lever for improving animal welfare in clinical practice. Veterinarians trained with strong welfare science foundations are more likely to use analgesics routinely, recognize pain indicators, counsel clients on welfare-positive practices, and advocate for welfare improvements in their sectors. The quality and content of veterinary welfare education varies enormously globally — improving it is a high-leverage intervention.
Leading veterinary schools are moving toward competency-based welfare education. Key competencies include:
Clinical training is where welfare education is often lost — under time pressure and cost constraints, welfare best practices may be deprioritized. Research from veterinary education scholars shows that modeling by clinical faculty is the strongest predictor of student welfare practice. Mentor role-modeling of thorough pain assessment, analgesic use, and welfare communication has lasting effects on graduate practice patterns.