Veterinary education has evolved to place greater emphasis on animal welfare science, communication skills, and ethical decision-making alongside clinical training.
Veterinary education increasingly recognises that clinical skills alone are insufficient for welfare-centred practice. Vets require welfare assessment competence, communication skills to discuss welfare with clients from diverse backgrounds, and ethical frameworks for navigating welfare dilemmas. Veterinary students may also experience moral distress when training involves causing suffering to animals, and supporting student welfare through this experience is itself an ethical obligation. Graduates who understand welfare science, can recognise suffering across species, and can communicate effectively about welfare are better equipped to advocate for their patients.