B8436 - Companion Animal Welfare

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: gains a comprehensive understanding of the structural, managerial, ethical, and regulatory aspects of dog and cat breeding; is able to apply advanced technologies, from breed selection to the management of healthy companion animals, to promote informed breed choice by owners fulfill animal needs and ensure a high standard of welfare.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course "Ethology, Companion Animal Nutrition and Welfare".

The integrated course "Ethology, companion animal nutrition and welfare" aims to provide the student with fundamental knowledge of animal behaviour and genetics, as well as the related ethical aspects, in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains specific expertise in the nutrition and feeding of companion animals, as well as their breeding and welfare.

The Integrated Course "Ethology, companion animal nutrition and welfare" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.7; 1.12; 1.16; 1.17; 1.21; 1.26

Specific contents:

1. Principles of Companion Animal Welfare — 2 HOURS

Welfare concepts, species-specific needs and main animal-, resource- and management-based indicators in dogs and cats.

2. Legislation and Scientific Guidance — 3 HOURS

European legislation on dog and cat welfare and traceability, national requirements and relevant EFSA scientific reports.

3. Breeds, Selection and Hypertypes — 2 HOURS

Main dog and cat breed characteristics and welfare problems associated with extreme conformations.

4. Welfare-Oriented Breeding — 2 HOURS

Basic principles of breeding management, housing, hygiene, reproduction, care of breeding animals, puppies and kittens, socialisation and weaning.

5. Responsible Ownership — 1 HOURS

Informed breed choice, owner education and management of healthy companion animals.

Practical activities include visits to breeding establishments, training centres and animal shows.

Readings/Bibliography

The professor will make the teaching materials presented during lectures available to students.

Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2026 on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (Text with EEA relevance)

Beaver B.V., Golab Gail C. 2022. The Veterinarian’s Guide to Animal Welfare. Chapter 8: Companion animal welfare issues. Academic Press.

EFSA, 2023. Scientific and technical assistance on welfare aspects related to housing and health of cats and dogs in commercial breeding establishments https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8213

INTERNATIONAL BREEDING RULES OF THE FCI https://www.fci.be/en/

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions (breeding establishments, training centres and animal shows).

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course consists of two parts:

• Practical examination (ration formulation and nutrient requirement calculations, modules of Dr Vecchiato) is compulsory to access the written test part (from 1 to 3 pt.). The assignment will take place on digital platform lasts 45min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 1.5/3.
• The written part is a test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The test assignment will last 45 min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

Supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) can be used only if explicitly permitted by the instructor.

With regard to the assessment, the use of generative AI is prohibited and any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available upon request for students beyond the standard program duration.

If a student receives a borderline result in no more than one part of the written test the instructor may—depending on the seriousness of the mistakes—offer the opportunity to take a brief compensatory oral exam for that module within the next two working days. In this case, the instructor will contact the student as soon as possible after the end of the exam.

Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami [http://almaesami.unibo.it/] platform. The results will be published within 5 working days in the Virtuale [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en] Learning Environment platform by the designated course contact.

In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion. Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record. Students willing to reject the final grade must promptly informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities must contact the dedicated office [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] responsible as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturers, who will assess the appropriateness of the proposed adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC slides, internet.

The professor is always available to provide further clarification. Students are kindly requested to arrange an appointment by email.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Martelli