top of page
Farmer and Vet - licensed.jpeg

Our Mission

To advocate for animals used in food and fiber production by providing a veterinary perspective grounded in animal welfare and ethics.

Our Goals

Through education, policy development, advocacy, and collaborative animal care, the Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare seeks to:

  • Improve the welfare of animals used in food and fiber production through the promotion and utilization of contemporary science-driven frameworks and research;

  • Support veterinarians, the profession, and animal producers and suppliers in their adoption of welfare-centered practices and policies for farm animals; and,

  • Build awareness about food and fiber production systems to help mitigate or eliminate negative impacts of those systems on animals and society.

Our Focus

The Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare will initially be focused on:

  • Prevent and mitigate pain experienced by farm animals;

  • Promote living environments that meet the animals’ physical and psychological needs; and,

  • Ensure humane end-of-life practices.

Our Values

The Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare pledges to:

  • Work collaboratively, creatively, and respectfully with others to advance our mission; 

  • Honor diversity and inclusion of thought about farm animal welfare issues and practices;

  • Advance our goals by providing a medical perspective guided by science, ethics, and compassion; and,

  • Protect and advance the integrity of the veterinary profession.

Societal concern for humane animal treatment is not limited to companion animals but encompasses all sentient animals.

Barry Kipperman, DVM, DACVIM, MSc, DACAW (Board Member & Director of Research)  

bottom of page