Course overview
The course will provide students with an overview of the husbandry and welfare of companion animals (e.g., dog and cats), other pets (e.g., birds, reptiles, and small mammals), horses, and exotic animals found in settings such as zoos and aquariums. The roles of animals in society, as well as the management and ethics of animals under human care are included in the course. Students will learn about a variety of aspects impacting both domestic and wild animals in captivity. There will be opportunities for students to practice the correct handling of some of these domestic species. The course will also include field trips to allow students to hear and experience topics covered in the course.
Course learning outcomes
- Compare and contrast the husbandry and welfare practices of companion animals, pets, exotics, and equine species.
- Describe major medical ailments and diseases of domestic animals and the links between husbandry and disease.
- Describe the importance of assessing and improving the welfare of exotic animals in captivity.
- Discuss the positive and negative aspects of domestic animals in society.
- Use written and oral communication, data collection and analysis, and critical evaluation of information in the context of an animal practitioner (e.g., animal scientist).