Course

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Course code
VTEC 2110
Credits
2.00
Semester length
15
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall

Overview

Course description
This course covers practical and theoretical study of relevant normal and problem behaviours of companion animals. Client communication and education are emphasized. Discussions of ethical and welfare issues in both small and large animals and in the safe handling of aggressive and injured animals are also addressed.
Course content
  1. Normal behaviour for companion animals
  2. Behavioural markers of fear, anxiety and stress in veterinary patients
  3. Body language in communication with both small and large animal species
  4. Puppy and kitten basic training methods
  5. Causes, signs and treatment of common behaviour problems in companion animals
  6. Animal welfare, including animal neglect and abuse, issues in domestic animal husbandry and cosmetic surgery of companion animals
  7. Workplace ethics, scope of practice, euthanasia and methods of resolving ethical problems
Learning activities

Instructional activities may include live animal demonstrations, case studies, group work, student presentations, flipped classroom, simulations, workshops, assignments and open book quizzes.

Means of assessment

Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required, in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.

Evaluation will be based on the following:

Assignments                      20-50% (no assignment >20%)

Quizzes (2)                       15-40% (no quiz >20%)

Final Exam                        20-30%

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course successful students will be able to:

  1. Read the body language of companion animals as it pertains to safe handling, case management and client education.

  2. Discuss influences on the development of behavioural traits in companion animals.

  3. Describe and implement training techniques to prevent common problem behaviours in companion animals.

  4. Apply scientifically based principles to the prevention and treatment of behaviour problems in companion animals.

  5. Implement techniques to treat or manage common behaviour problems in companion animals.

  6. Define ethics, animal rights and welfare, and be able to discuss current topics in these fields with respect to veterinary medicine.

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.

Requisites

Prerequisites

VTEC 1201 and VTEC 1202 and VTEC 1203 and VTEC 1204 and VTEC 1205

Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for VTEC 2110
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
16
Remaining seats:
14
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2143
Times:
Start Time
14:00
-
End Time
16:50
Section notes

VTEC 2110 001 is restricted to Full time VTEC cohort only