Animal Welfare, Ethics and Policy

Founded in the 1980's by Dr. Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence, a distinguished veterinarian and anthropologist, this course introduces first-year D.V.M. students to the many social and cultural contexts in which people and animals interact and how diverse value systems influence our ideas of animal welfare. This class establishes the broad context of veterinary education at the Cummings School and prepares students to think about how social trends will influence their careers in veterinary medicine.

This course introduces second-year D.V.M. students to the basics of the legal system. It explores topics of particular relevance to veterinarians and veterinary practice, including malpractice, animal cruelty and professional responsibility.

In this course, second-year D.V.M. students learn to apply principles of ethical reasoning to decision-making in veterinary practice in the clinic, animal shelter, laboratory, farm, and other settings. Throughout this course, students are encouraged to search out their own ethical values, consider multiple sides of an issue, and respectfully hear the opinions of colleagues.

Third-year D.V.M. students take an intensive lecture-discussion workshop that addresses appropriate methods of euthanasia, situations in which euthanasia is utilized, ethical implications of euthanasia, and the emotional aspects of euthanasia as they relate to client, staff and veterinarian grief.

In this small-group seminar, convened during fourth-year clinical rotations, all D.V.M. students are asked to present to classmates and a faculty facilitator the ethical dimension of a case that they have either handled or observed themselves. The course helps students recognize that the broad issues of professional and social ethics are closely intertwined with daily practice.

Under the law, animals are considered property, but the courts are increasingly recognizing that animals possess unique interests. This elective delves into the statutes and landmark court decisions that impact the health, well-being, and legal status of animals. It also explores how changes in the law may affect the veterinary profession.

Students visit several dairy farms that are clients of the Tufts Veterinary Field Service. During these tours, they gain exposure to aspects of dairy production and different farming methods. The class centers around examining and comparing specific animal husbandry styles and their impact on farm animal welfare. Students discuss these issues from a practical on-farm perspective.

This elective examines the various reasons behind the captivity of wildlife, including in zoos and aquariums, as pets, for entertainment, trade, education, research, and rehabilitation. Guided by faculty and wildlife professionals, students conduct in-depth discussions of the ethical, historical, animal welfare, and One Health implications of these practices.

Explore the foundations of animal welfare—what it means, why it matters, and how it’s measured. This elective provides an overview of the history, legislation, and policies that shape animal welfare in the U.S. and around the world. Students will learn key methods for evaluating welfare, from assessing stress and physical health to understanding mental states and quality of life. Hands-on training includes practical welfare assessments in farm and other real-world settings.

This elective explores the behavior of common companion animals across family, community, and shelter environments. Students learn to interpret animal body language, recognize typical and problem behaviors, and examine how human perceptions shape our understanding of animal behavior. Through interactive discussions, the course highlights how these perceptions influence our relationships with companion animals.

This elective covers the science of the health effects of living with pets, terminology and legal access for service animals and emotional support animals, animal-assisted interventions, primary and preventative care in working dogs, and a demonstration of police working dogs.

In addition, practicum selectives are offered through the Center for Animals and Public Policy, including:

• Paws for People
• Pet Loss Support Helpline