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Veterinary Specialty Boards Reading Lists

Copies of veterinary specialty board exam reading lists with links to online materials and books and journals held by local libraries.

American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW) Reading List

This is only a convenience copy of the ACAW reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACAW reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACAW reading list.

Part 1 A. History and Evolving Concepts of Animal Welfare

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: History

1. Society’s changing perceptions towards animals

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Societal variations

2. Society’s current perceptions toward animals
3. Cultural, societal, and religious perspectives affecting animals

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Differing (Human) Stakeholder Viewpoints

4. Organizations/agencies responsible for impacting animal welfare
  • Organization and association web references
5. Global and international perspectives
  • Associated organization web references
6. Human-Animal Bond
7. AVMA Animal Welfare Principles
  • Associated AVMA materials
8. Access to veterinary care
9. Economic issues

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Evolving Understanding of Morally Relevant Characteristics of Animals

10. Sentience
11. Concepts of animal needs
12. Recognition, assessment, prevention and management of pain
13. Recognition, assessment, prevention, and management of stress/distress
14. Sentience and pain in aquatic animals

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Evolving Concepts of Animal Welfare

15. Three orientations of animal welfare after Fraser
16. Concept of the Five Freedoms

17. Concept of the Five Domains

18. Quality of life and end of life considerations

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Education and Training

19. Selection/training/qualifications/quality assurance of animal industry workers
20. Humane education and other public education programs

A. History and Evolving Concepts or Animal Welfare

Knowledge Area: Communication

21. Communication
  • Associated web references
  • AVMA resources
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