Since the start of 4-H, Veterinary Science Projects have been integral to the program and the success of other youth animal projects. With the agricultural and animal science projects’ focus on raising animals in ethical, safe ways, veterinary science projects teach skills from basic animal care to biosecurity and zoonotic diseases.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Recognize the value of animals to humans
- Accept responsibility for animals’ welfare
- Educate others about caring for animals
- Prevent diseases of animals
- Describe traits of good veterinarians and their roles in society
- Describe the range of veterinary careers
- Prepare for a career in veterinary medicine
4-H Veterinary Science Curriculum
Available in the Extension office or online.
Introduces youth to the normal animal, basic anatomy and systems, elementary principles of disease and careers with animals.
This guide involves youth in in-depth investigation of normal and abnormal systems, preparation for college and exploration of the diversity of the veterinary profession.
This guide involves youth in in-depth investigation of normal and abnormal systems, preparation for college and exploration of the diversity of the veterinary profession.
Veterinary Science Helper’s Guide
These supplemental materials provide helpers with activities to facilitate learning for various ages of youth. Numerous group activities help youth develop essential life skills as they pursue their interest in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Science projects have been an integral components of the 4-H Youth Development Program throughout its history. This curriculum addresses 21st century needs. Topics include basic animal care concepts as well as emerging issues in biomedical research and food safety. The activities in the curriculum were designed to be facilitated in a small group-learning environment. Learners construct understanding through inquiry, observations, and personal reflection.
Facilitator Guide – Understanding & Applying Veterinary Science Module 1: Behavior Digital Download
Module 1 provides tips for facilitators and resources to guide youth through observing, measuring, and interpreting animal behavior.
This curriculum is written as a facilitator guide. Facilitators are provided with an overview of the subject matter and examples that help explain why each topic is important.
Module 2 provides data sheets and guides on how to measure and record basic health information and statistics.
This curriculum is written as a facilitator guide. Facilitators are provided with an overview of the subject matter and examples that help explain why each topic is important.
Module 3 teaches youth about disease and disease transmission. Several risk assessment practice scenarios are offered.
This curriculum is written as a facilitator guide. Facilitators are provided with an overview of the subject matter and examples that help explain why each topic is important.
Module 4 teaches youth about the important topic of bio-security. Disease risk, risk assessment, and strategies for risk mitigation are addressed.
This curriculum is written as a facilitator guide. Facilitators are provided with an overview of the subject matter and examples that help explain why each topic is important.
Module 5 teaches youth about advanced concepts in animal care practices.
This curriculum is written as a facilitator guide. Facilitators are provided with an overview of the subject matter and examples that help explain why each topic is important.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C0914E – Animal Science Record
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
4-H at Home: Veterinary Science – National 4-H, Texas A&M Extension (PDF)
Learn how the immune system helps humans and animals fight off illnesses.
Minnesota 4-H Veterinary Science project resource guide (Google Doc)
The purpose of this project resource guide is to help support your learning within the veterinary science project area. It provides step-by-step suggestions on how to get started and how to continue learning within the project area.
Veterinary Science Reference Manual – Canada 4-H, Ontario (PDF)
Washington Specific Reference Material
Coming soon!
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Exploring 4-H Vet Science Spark Activity: Not a Shot in the Dark – Illinois 4-H (PDF)
Are you interested in a career in keeping animals healthy and have an interest in science? Learn the role a veterinarian provides as an animal doctor, gain knowledge about how veterinarians treat and care for animals, and their involvement in protecting public health. Learn about diseases, health problems and career opportunities while participating in many hands-on activities.
4-H Professional Careers in Animal Science – North Dakota 4-H (YouTube playlist)
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
American Veterinary Medical Association
Becoming in Veterinarian – American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
Embark on an exciting career path where you can put your knowledge and compassion into practice. Whether you’re a student or advisor, this portal can help you put it all together, from career information to tools that will help walk you through a successful veterinary school application.
First aid tips for pet owners – American Veterinary Medical Association
Do you know what you would do if your dog ate some chocolate? What if your cat had a seizure? What if your pet was overheating on a hot summer day, or fell down the stairs and started limping?
Knowing some basic first aid information and being prepared for emergencies can help you avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until you can get them veterinary care. In case of an emergency, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency hospital so they can be ready when you arrive.
Keeping Pets Healthy Keeps People Healthy Too! – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. But there’s something else you should know.
Pets sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. The diseases people get from animals are known as zoonotic (zoe-oh-NOT-ic) diseases. Learn more about the benefits and risks of having pets.
- Nebraska 4-H Resources
Veterinary Science 1: The Normal Animal
Have you always wanted to become a veterinarian? This manual serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of veterinary science and will give you a better understanding of animal health and care. It can serve as a resource for what is “normal” and “abnormal” in regards to animal health. If the world of veterinary science interests you, consider this your beginner’s guide!
Veterinary Science 2: Animal Disease
Build on the knowledge you gained in Normal Animal- Unit I, and explore the field of animal disease in this, the second manual. You will be introduced to new words and information about how the body reacts to health problems.
Veterinary Science 3: Animal Health and Its Relationship to our World
Looking to broaden what you have learned about veterinary science? Unit III is designed to give interested youth the opportunity for further study in the veterinary profession. This manual provides the framework for a self-study in veterinary science.
Veterinary Science: Leaders Guide
Have you found yourself serving as a mentor for youth interested in this area of study? This is the manual for you! This Leader Guide is designed to help you develop ideas and projects related to veterinary medicine. This resource will aid you in planning and preparing for how to best work with youth in this project area.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
Veterinary Science Curriculum Collection
Veterinary Science: Stopping Sickness
Animals get sick, just like humans do. This series of activities explores how sickness spreads among animals, how the immune system fights off illness, and how veterinarians examine and treat animals with medicine to help them get back on all four feet. Requires a free Clover account to access lesson plans.