How veterinary training includes animal welfare science shapes the welfare of billions of animals treated by vets globally. Welfare education in veterinary curricula is advancing.
Veterinary professionals are the frontline of animal welfare protection. Their ability to recognise pain, assess welfare, advocate for animals, and educate owners determines welfare outcomes for millions of patients. Historical veterinary training focused on disease treatment rather than welfare assessment. Modern curricula increasingly include pain recognition, welfare assessment, euthanasia decision-making, and communication skills for welfare conversations with owners. The expanding field of welfare science provides evidence-based frameworks that transform clinical practice.