Veterinary education is fundamental to animal welfare outcomes. The quality and emphasis of welfare science in veterinary training programs determines welfare practice quality across all animal-using sectors.
Veterinarians are among the most important welfare professionals because they interact with animals across all sectors and have both the authority and knowledge to advocate for welfare improvements. Veterinary education that emphasizes welfare science produces graduates who recognize and respond to welfare problems rather than normalizing them. Investment in welfare-focused veterinary education has multiplicative returns as trained graduates influence thousands of animal-using clients.