On a day to day basis - regardless of the species they care for - veterinarians often think of animal welfare as an abstract or philosophical concern rather than a practical clinical responsibility. Understandably, their primary focus is treating the health concern of the patient (which happens to be one of the five domains that constitutes "animal welfare"). The reality, however, is that through a better understanding of the practical components of "welfare," veterinary caregivers can really improve their level of clinical care as well as relationships with their clients.

In this webinar, Dr. Wendy Koch - an animal welfare expert - discusses welfare as an actionable component of everyday practice. While she will use the horse and equine medicine as an illustrative example, this discussion is relevant to veterinary professionals across all species - not just the equine practitioner. In her discussion, Dr. Koch will highlight:

• How welfare evolved as a science and the recognition that welfare is a mental (more than just physical) state
• The unmet need for veterinary professionals to address the mental health of horses and other species with behavioral problems
• Practical ways that veterinary professionals can improve patient welfare
• The importance of understanding behavior science, how to improve handling techniques, and appropriate ways to intervene and treat psychological problems prior to referral (if needed)
• Resources available for training (including low-stress / force-free handling), assistance, and behavioral intervention
• Volunteering to improve animal welfare worldwide 
  
  

Running time: 1 hr 16 mins (including 10 mins of Q&A)

Registration is compliments of the American College of Animal Welfare.
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