Temple Grandin headlines animal welfare event

Application deadline extended for AVMA members

AVMA members interested in learning more about animal welfare have a unique opportunity to learn from experts including Temple Grandin during the AVMA’s 2019 Animal Welfare Assessment Contest® in Colorado.

Up to eight AVMA members can join student participants at the assessment competition, aided by travel grants of $800 each. The application deadline has been extended to October 13 for AVMA members interested in attending.

The 2019 AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest will take place November 22-24 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Col. The annual competition offers an opportunity to observe and evaluate the welfare of animals in a variety of settings. It enhances awareness and understanding of animal welfare issues by using an integrated approach that calls on science-based methods and ethical standards for assessment.

Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, will deliver one of two keynote addresses at the event. The other will be given by Ruth Woiwode, an auditor with the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization, who like Grandin holds a Ph.D. in animal science.

How does the contest work?

Student attendees participate in the competition both individually and in teams in three categories: veterinary, undergraduate, and graduate students, assessing both virtual and live scenarios. Up to eight AVMA members can attend as non-placing participants.

The AVMA supports veterinary participants with travel stipends, including awards of $800 for each AVMA member selected to attend. The travel grants are funded with assistance from Merck Animal Health, the presenting partner for the competition.

Interested in attending? Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, using the AVMA member application form on the contest website. AVMA members chosen to attend will be notified by October 22.

For more information about the assessment contest, including preparation tips, sample assessment scenarios, and student application materials, visit awjac.org.

Special thanks to our Animal Welfare Assessment Contest partners: Merck Animal Health, presenting partner; Charles River, signature partner; and the Student AVMA (SAVMA) and PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization), community partners.