Mini-Vet School is a five-week series of lectures by the most accomplished and dynamic veterinarians in Western New York. For two hours each week, they will lead you on a fascinating journey of animal discovery.
Each Mini-Vet School lecture is a “course” in a subject covered in veterinary school.
From cats and dogs to fish and rabbits, companion animals are part of more than half of the households in Western New York. Animals have a documented beneficial effect on our physical and psychological well-being. Educating ourselves on animal health can help ensure that our beloved companion pets and wild animals receive the best care possible. These pets are the subjects for this year’s Mini-Vet School.
The two lectures each evening cover causes and treatments of the conditions that affect pets, as well as some of the latest advances in veterinary medicine. Each lecture is a short course in a subject covered in veterinary school. Graduates will receive a certificate and although they won’t be licensed to practice medicine, they will have a better understanding of animal health.
A portion of the proceeds goes to the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society Pet Emergency Fund that creates a lifeline of financial support for companion animals whose owners cannot afford the full burden of lifesaving and life-altering medical intervention and treatment.
2026 Mini-Vet Classes
Classes run for five weeks on Tuesday evenings 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., September 29, and October 6, 13, 20, and 27.
Classes are held at Daemen University, 4380 Main Street, Amherst NY, in Schenck Hall, room 107.
Registration is required and is limited to 250 people. Cost for the series is $70 per person, with $50 for seniors and students or individual class dates are $25 each.
For ages 14 and up. Some classes are interactive so smart phones/i-Pads are suggested. Printed materials are available for purchase of $10 paid at class time.
Register For 2026 Classes
Scan the QR code or go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mini-vet-school–2026
2026 Sessions Titles and Topics:
SEPTEMBER 29
Laboratory Animal Medicine
Introduction on Animals in the Laboratories with Dr. Sandra Sexton DVM, DACLAM
Animal Sheltering
Myths and Misconceptions with Erie County SPCA
OCTOBER 6
The Immune system:
Protector, Saboteur, and Everything in Between Defender against infection, this intricate network can both protect and inadvertently harm the body.
with Dr. William Brown DVM
Triage at the ER
Why did they get called in first?
Which case would you take first when seconds count?
with Dr. Sarah Schlee DVM
OCTOBER 13
Interactive Veterinary Mythbusters
An interactive presentation on all things Veterinary Medicine
with Dr. Amanda Donovan DVM
More Than a Test Result
The Truth About Feline Retroviruses and FIP with Dr. Allison Keen DVM
OCTOBER 20
Two Behavior Peas in a Pod:
part I
The medication to the modification.
with Dr. Rebecca Gerevics DVM, FFCP-V
Two Behavior Peas in a Pod:
part II
The modification to the medication.
with Jessica Fritschi LVT,CDBC,CNWI,CPDT-KA
OCTOBER 27
The Primate Patient
Exploring the complex: monkeys, apes, and prosimians.
with Dr. Kurt Volle DVM
Lumps and Bumps
Sorting out bad and benign.
with Dr. Jennifer Stachnik
Sponsors for the 2026 Mini-Vet School Include:
Host
Link – Daemen University
Speaker Sponsor
Link – IDEXX Laboratories
Link – SPCA Serving Erie County
Gold Sponsor
Link – Final Gift
Link – Zoetis
Silver Sponsor
Link – Hills Prescription Diet
Link – Purina ProPlan
Bronze Sponsor
Link – Drum Oil and Propane
Link – Elanco
Link – NOVA Wealth
Link – Pine Pharmacy
Link – Trocaire Veterinary Sciences
Printing Sponsor
Link – Camp Bow Wow
A portion of MiniVet proceeds benefits the Pet Emergency Fund