Enhancing Veterinary Education Through a Novel Animal Welfare and Behavior Course at a New Veterinary University.

This article focuses on evaluating the impact of a novel, first-semester Animal Welfare and Behavior (AWB) course on veterinary students' attitudes toward animal welfare at Long Island University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Using a 40-statement questionnaire to calculate a Total Welfare Concern (TWC) score, the study found that students' concern for animal welfare and empathy toward animals significantly increased immediately after completing the course and remained elevated 2.5 years later. Factors such as upbringing setting and horse ownership also influenced TWC scores, with non-urban upbringing associated with higher concern. The findings suggest that early, comprehensive education in animal welfare and behavior can foster sustained positive attitudes in veterinary students, addressing a recognized gap in veterinary curricula.