Animal Science
4-H Veterinary Science Project
The Colorado 4-H Veterinary Science Project teaches youth about animal health, care, and the veterinary profession.
Unit 1 introduces animal breeds, needs, body systems, feed, medications, safety, disease basics, and careers with animals. Unit 2 focuses on health and disease, recognizing normal and abnormal conditions, the immune system, disease prevention, parasites, ethical decision-making, and veterinary specialties. Unit 3 covers reproduction, genetics, cell biology, disease testing, zoonotic diseases, preventative medicine, pet overpopulation, veterinary technology, and career preparation, giving participants a comprehensive understanding of veterinary science.
Project Overview
UNITs 1-2
Airedales to Zebras
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Identify breeds of various types of animals
- Learn what animals need and their various roles helping people
- Identify threats to animal safety
- Identify animal body systems
- Learn about feed and medication
- Explore careers with animals
- Learn elementary principals of disease
UNIT 3
All Systems Go!
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Examine health and disease topics
- Learn to recognize normal and abnormal conditions
- Describe how the immune system protects animals from diseases
- Explain how diseases can be spread between animals
- Describe parasite life cycles and how to disrupt them
- Protect animals from unsafe feeds
- Explore veterinary specialties
- Make ethical decisions about animals
UNIT 4
On the Cutting Edge
Designed for members 8-18 years old.
Inspiring youth to:
- Describe the cycles, organs and hormones involved in animal reproduction
- Explain how genetics influence breeding programs
- Describe cell structure and function
- Design testing strategies to identify diseased animals
- Identify ten diseases that can be spread from animals to humans explain the principles of preventative medicine
- Explain reasons to prevent pet overpopulation
- Describe technology used in the veterinary profession
- Explore the diversity of and preparation for the veterinary profession
Official Project Materials
Materials & Curriculum
Member Resources
Find Your County
Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.
Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.
To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.
Upcoming Events
Currently there are no events scheduled at this time associated to this page. Please check back for the latest events as they are scheduled.
Project Tips
- Include your project manual with your e-Record when submitting your project for judging and exhibiting at fairs.
- Do at least seven activities and Booster Shots each year as listed in each manual along with the date completed and your leader’s or parent’s/guardian’s initials
- Be sure to attach the Booster Shots activities after the manual and before the e-record in a secured sturdy binder
- Look up information in the library or on the internet
- Visit with your veterinarian
- Take trips and tours
- Enter your project in the county fair
- Share information learned in talks and displays
- Consider doing an internship or community service with animals
Careers
Medicine
Veterinarian or technician for animals in the wild, zoos, private practice, university hospitals, research, and more
Research
Create new clinical therapies and products to overall health and well-being for animals
Nutrition
Provide nutritional advice, dietary analysis, and education ensuring animals are healthy
Sales
Provide product support and education to veterinarians, businesses, and consumers
Diagnostic
Provide diagnostic services to test for potential diseases or illnesses
Education
Opportunity to teach others about animals and health
Regulation
Help prevent unwanted diseases and invasive species going in and out of the United States
Inspection
Provide inspection services for meat and products for animal use to ensure safety and quality