Why Veterinary Programs Are Choosing Simulation Over Live Animal Labs

A Shift in Veterinary Education

Across North America and Europe, veterinary schools are reconsidering the role of live animal use in foundational skills training. The combination of animal welfare concerns, accreditation changes, and mounting evidence for simulation efficacy has prompted a meaningful shift in how programs structure their curricula.

The AVMA Council on Education and the RCVS in the UK have both acknowledged simulation as an equivalent or superior modality for teaching specific technical skills. This accreditation flexibility has unlocked institutional investment in training equipment that was previously difficult to justify.

What the Research Shows

Multiple peer-reviewed studies now demonstrate that students who receive simulation-based training before clinical rotations perform at the same level or better than those trained exclusively on live animals. Crucially, simulation-trained students report significantly lower anxiety and higher procedural confidence — factors that directly impact animal welfare during actual clinical encounters.