Animal Use in Veterinary Education

Abstract

The adequate preparation of students for clinical practice is a major challenge within veterinary education. To teach clinical and surgical skills and scientific concepts, animals have often been used as teaching tools and are subjected to invasive procedures, which sometimes result in death. Animals are also used in non-harmful ways, such as when student-owned dogs are used to teach clinical examination skills. Such uses are not generally controversial. In contrast, the harmful use of animals within veterinary education is ethically contentious. This chapter will focus on such animal use, reviewing both the animal and human impacts of such use, the efficacy and benefits of alternative teaching methods, applicable legislation, and the positions of veterinary professional associations. It will conclude with recommendations for addressing this issue for students, universities, veterinary schools, and veterinary professional associations.