Please contact us to book a workshop (in-person or online): 

Website query: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/contact/

Email: contact@scientificveterinaryconsulting.com

Please contact us to book a workshop (in-person or online): 

Website query: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/contact/

Email: contact@scientificveterinaryconsulting.com

Please contact us to book a workshop (onsite or online): Website query: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/contact/ Email: contact@scientificveterinaryconsulting.com

This accredited, certificated online short course overviews the core principles of the South African National Standard for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (SANS 10386:2021), which defines the minimum standards for animal care and use in research, testing, teaching, training, validation, diagnostics, production of biological substances or responses, field trials, conservation, observation, environmental or wildlife studies, and the production (i.e., breeding, creation or genetic alteration) or capture of animals for related purposes in South Africa.

The course is designed to equip Institutional Officials, Animal Ethics Committees, research managers, principal investigators, scientists, teachers, trainers, students, veterinary and para-veterinary professionals, managers of animal facilities and study sites, animal caretakers, persons involved in production of biological substances, product or environmental testing, conservation, wildlife studies and other scientific purposes - with the essential knowledge required to oversee, design and conduct ethical, responsible and impactful scientific activities involving animals.

The 8-hour course includes 7 modules, each consisting of video presentations followed by an assessment per module, which focus on the generic (i.e., non-species-specific) normative components of the Standard. Since the course is self-paced, participants can access the online materials, view the presentations, and complete the assessments on-demand, at their own convenience, at any time of the day or evening, during the week or on weekends. Participants have access to the entire course, its content, presentations and assessments, for the full duration of the course access-period.

Accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by Statutory Bodies:

• SAVC - South African Veterinary Council (8 Structured Points: AC/1988/24)
• SACNASP - South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (1 Credit, 10 hours equivalent: 2025-0763-003332)

Discounted rates apply to purchases for multiple attendees.

Click on "Take this Course" for more details.

Enjoy this popular course!

[rrf_show_ratings course_id=2732]

[rrf_show_ratings course_id="2732"]

Please contact us to book a workshop (in-person or online): Website query: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/contact/ Email: contact@scientificveterinaryconsulting.com

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These online modules serve as an introduction to the core concepts of animal welfare science, exploring the significance of the scientific phenomenon of sentience, how the ability of animals to feel has changed our’ perceptions of animals and their interests, i.e., to limit negative experiences and promote positive experiences.

Evolving societal concepts of animal welfare are examined, and how this affects the perception of animal welfare in the contemporary world. Animal welfare assessment is discussed using two formal frameworks, i.e. the 5 Freedoms (which was the first tool to evaluate animal welfare, developed over 50 years ago), and the more current 5 Domains framework, which also emphasises the importance of animals’ mental-emotional wellbeing and positive experiences, with a  case study discussion.

This module is aimed at all persons who work with animals, or who have an interest in their welfare, including veterinarians, para-veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations, animal ethics committee members, animal caretakers, scientists and students in animal-related fields, and persons who interact with animals.

These online modules introduce the foundational biology, behaviour, and welfare needs of rats (Rattus norvegicus), offering practical insight into how to care for these intelligent and social animals with empathy, confidence, and scientific awareness. Whether in research, veterinary practice, education, animal care settings, or the home, the modules equip participants with the knowledge to support rat wellbeing and ensure humane, species-appropriate care.

Participants explore the evolutionary origins and domestication of rats, their physical and sensory adaptations, and the implications of these traits for housing, handling, enrichment, and husbandry. Topics include strain and breeding differences, social behaviour, communication, reproductive physiology, and the environmental and emotional needs of rats in captive settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding stress-related behaviour, recognising signs of pain and distress, and supporting positive welfare through thoughtful cage design, enrichment, and human–animal interaction.

Scientific and ethical frameworks such as the Five Domains model, welfare score sheets, pain assessment techniques (including the Rat Grimace Scale), and rat tickling are introduced as practical tools to assess and promote welfare. The module also addresses the importance of considering rats’ sensory world—including light, sound, scent, and touch—to improve both welfare, quality of care, and biological outcomes.

This module is ideal for anyone who works with or cares about rats, including scientists, researchers, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal welfare personnel, animal ethics committee members, technicians, students in animal-related fields, and pet rat owners.

These modules offer an inspiring and supportive space to explore the mental and emotional wellbeing of animal care personnel. It addresses the unique challenges faced by professionals who work with animals — veterinarians, para-veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations, animal ethics committees, scientists and animal caretakers — through strategies to nurture resilience, promote joy, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Presented as a conversation-style discussion between veterinary specialist Dr Bert Mohr and clinical psychologist Neil Tuck, this engaging and reflective format blends expert insight with relatable experience. Participants are equipped with meaningful psychological tools to support their personal wellbeing and reconnect with the purpose and passion in their work, fostering a culture of compassion in the workplace.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain practical, real-world psychological tools to promote satisfaction and joy in your professional life!

Please contact us to book a workshop (onsite or online): Website query: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/contact/ Email: contact@scientificveterinaryconsulting.com