HumaneVMA - Ethical disagreements in veterinary practice settings
Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance Webinar
Ethical disagreements in veterinary practice settings
Presented by: Dr. Anne Quain, BA (Hons), BScVet, BVSc, MVetStud,
GradCertEdStud(HigherEd), MANZCVS (Animal Welfare), DipECAWBM (AWSEL), PhD
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 8:00-9:30 pm ET
Ethical disagreements are common in veterinary practice and arise when members of the veterinary team, clients, or other stakeholders hold differing views about what ought to be done in a particular situation. These disagreements may occur in relation to animal welfare, treatment decisions, resource limitations, financial constraints, client preferences, workplace policies, or professional responsibilities. When unresolved, ethical conflict can contribute to moral stress, moral distress, and reduced wellbeing among veterinary professionals.
This webinar will examine the nature and sources of ethical disagreement in veterinary practice settings. Participants will be introduced to common factors that contribute to differing ethical viewpoints, including variations in professional roles, values, ethical frameworks, experiences, and perceptions of animal welfare. Through discussion of practical veterinary scenarios, attendees will explore how ethical disagreement can reveal underlying welfare concerns and competing obligations that require careful consideration.
The webinar will also provide a structured approach for identifying and analyzing sources of ethical conflict within veterinary teams. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing disagreement as a potentially constructive component of ethical decision-making and as an opportunity to improve communication, support team wellbeing, and enhance animal welfare outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Describe common types of ethical disagreement in veterinary practice settings.
Identify factors that influence differing ethical perspectives among veterinary team members and other stakeholders.
Recognize the relationship between ethical disagreement, moral stress/distress, and animal welfare concerns.
Discuss strategies for clarifying the underlying issues contributing to ethical conflict within veterinary teams.
Distinguish between differing sources of conflict, including value-based, welfare-based, professional, and practical concerns.
Communicate more effectively about ethically challenging situations.
Identify opportunities for addressing underlying animal welfare concerns revealed through ethical conflict.
Reflect on their own ethical assumptions and those of others when participating in ethical decision-making.
This webinar is FREE for all attendees.
1.5 hours of RACE CE credit (non-medical) is available for HumaneVMA members only.