Veterinary education shapes how the profession approaches animal welfare for decades. Embedding welfare science in veterinary curricula creates generational change in professional standards.
Veterinary education reform is a welfare lever with multigenerational impact. Vets trained in welfare science become practitioners, researchers, policy advisers, and industry consultants whose decisions affect millions of animals. The most impactful reforms are: replacing terminal animal procedures with validated simulators where possible; embedding Five Domains welfare assessment in clinical training; including animal behaviour science as a core competency; and addressing the psychological welfare of vets themselves through compassion fatigue training and support structures. Institutions that lead on welfare education produce graduates who raise standards across the profession.