Welfare Science

Animal Welfare in Veterinary Education

Veterinary education shapes future clinicians' approach to animal welfare, making curriculum content critical for the next generation of welfare advocates.

Key Facts

Welfare education in veterinary curricula has expanded significantly in the past two decades
Students report feeling under-prepared for difficult welfare conversations with clients
End-of-life decision making, pain recognition, and quality of life assessment are core welfare skills
Welfare science is now an accredited subject in RCVS-approved veterinary programmes
Clinical placements on higher-welfare farms and facilities shape student attitudes

Welfare Considerations

Veterinary education is a powerful lever for improving animal welfare through the training of future clinicians. Strong welfare curricula produce veterinarians better equipped to advocate for their patients throughout their careers.

What You Can Do

Support veterinary schools strengthening their welfare science programmes
Advocate for mandatory welfare communication training in vet education
Engage with vet students and graduates on welfare dimensions of clinical practice
Support continuing professional development in welfare for practising vets
Value and choose vets who demonstrate strong welfare advocacy in their practice