The Foundations in Veterinary Ethics & Professional Responsibility program is an 8-week certificate initiative designed for Pre-Veterinary students at all academic levels who want to deepen their understanding of the ethical challenges in animal care and the veterinary profession. Developed in collaboration with the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA). Veterinary ethics extends beyond clinical decisions; it includes navigating competing priorities such as client autonomy, client communication, financial limitations, public health, and the welfare of animals.
Through a combination of expert-led discussions, case-based learning, and reflective activities, the program explores topics such as client communication, animal welfare, end-of-life decision-making, and serving underserved populations. The goal is to cultivate future veterinarians with ethical reasoning skills, professionalism, and soft skills necessary for thoughtful, compassionate, and responsible practice.
Registration Required: https://forms.gle/tyfx4NGMvuccYRaJ8
Dates: January 19th, January 27th, February 9th, February 23rd, March 9th, March 23rd, April 6th, and April 20th
Location: Miller Learning Center, Room TBD
Laptop Required
Service Program Requirements:
- Attend orientation session
- Attend all presentations offered
- Attend and participate in all group activity sessions
Orientation registration for the Foundations in Veterinary Ethics & Professional Responsibility Certificate Program will open on December 8, 2025. After attending the orientation, participants will receive a Google form to confirm their participation in the program. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be no waitlist. Once the program reaches its capacity, registration will close.
After successful completion of this program, students will receive a certificate of completion from the Pre-Professional Advising Office.
Program Goals:
- Introduce ethical frameworks and principles relevant to veterinary medicine, including the AVMA Code of Ethics.
- Explore the role of the veterinarian in relation to the animal, the client, and the broader community.
- Build soft skills such as critical thinking, client communication, empathy, and professional judgment.
- Provide experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice through volunteering and community engagement.
- Encourage self-reflection and ethical reasoning in preparation for real-world challenges in veterinary careers.
Detailed Program Agenda:
Objective: To equip Pre-Veterinary students with a foundational understanding of veterinary ethics and professional responsibility through case-based learning, critical reflection, and real-world application.
Program Components & Weekly Schedule
Week 1 (Jan. 19)
Orientation & Program Overview
- Introduction to program goals, expectations, and deliverables
Week 2 (Jan. 27)
Introduction to Veterinary Ethics (Zoom Presentation)
Speakers: Dr. Riddick & Dr. Noel
Topics:
- What is ethics law vs law?
- AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics
- Roles of vet, patient, client, society
Week 3 (Feb. 9)
Scenario-Based Group Discussion
- “What would you do if…” ethical scenarios
- Small group self-assessments and critical thinking exercises
Week 4 (Feb. 23)
Ethical Care and Protection of Animals (Zoom Presentation)
Speakers: Attorney Wilkins & Attorney Riddick
Topics:
- Standard of care, owner consent and conflicts that may arise
- How different laws protect types of animals – (Working animal, Food animal, Pet)
- How to report abuse or neglect
- Client communication and records
Week 5 (March 9)
Structured Debate Activity
Moderators: UGA VetMD students (Year 3 & 4)
- Students will be assigned roles and debate a topic based on Week 4 content
Week 6 (March 23)
Euthanasia & End-of-Life Decisions (Zoom Presentation)
Speakers: Dr. Alworthz
Topics:
- Compassionate Euthanasia, End of life Discussion, Animal Suffering
- Financial Perspective
- Veterinary Rights
Week 7 (April 6)
Written Reflection:
- Prompt: “How should veterinarians ethically navigate the complex intersection of client autonomy, financial limitations, and animal welfare—particularly when making end-of-life decisions? In your response, consider who should ultimately have the final say in a pet’s euthanasia and how veterinarians can uphold their professional responsibilities while respecting both the client’s wishes and the best interests of the animal.”
- Students submit a brief editorial piece or position paper (1000 words)
- Due April 27, 2026, for certificate and Experiential Learning (EL)
Week 8 (April 20)
Field Trip – PAWS Macon, GA
- On-site visit to observe the intersection of veterinary care and community outreach
- Learn about partnerships with Meals on Wheels and how ethics play out in real-world service
Additional Program Requirements
- Volunteer Hours:
- Minimum of 30 hours with a focus on underserved populations (e.g., PAWS, Remedy Clinics, Pets for Life, SPOT Society etc.)
- Must be completed within the semester
- Students will receive a list of approved partners and must submit a signed volunteer log sheet
- Structured Reflective Dialogue (SRD) Session:
- Held via Zoom in late April or May
- Required for program completion
- Google Form with date options will be sent to eligible participants
- Sample SRD Questions:
- What ethical issue resonated with you the most and why?
- How did your volunteer experience shape your views?
- How will you apply for these lessons in your future veterinary career?
By the end of the program, students will have developed a strong understanding of veterinary ethics and professional responsibilities. The event will have provided both theoretical insight and practical experience in addressing real-world ethical dilemmas faced in veterinary practice. Students will leave with a clearer sense of the moral and professional standards guiding the veterinary field, better prepared to uphold integrity, compassion, and accountability in their future careers.
