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.

2025 Mini-Vet Classes

Classes run for five weeks on Tuesday evenings 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., September 30, and October 7, 14, 21, 28.

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.

Sessions titles and topics are as follows:

Sep. 30
Let’s Get to the Point! A Discussion about Chinese Acupuncture, Massage, and Food therapy for Dogs and Cats – Dr. Jennifer Garofalo DVM
Dental Care for Dogs and Cats – Diagnosing, treating, and managing dental care in your Dogs and Cats – Dr. Jennifer Stachnik DVM

Oct. 7
Not your average vet Visit: A look into Exotic Animal Medicine – Dr. Jeff Hess DVM
Purr-fect Health – Common Cat Ailments & Feline Viruses – Dr. Allison Keann DVM

Oct. 14
How do they Survive? The Wide World of Adversaries our pets face – Dr. William Brown DVM
Saving your Pet with CPR – Learning key points to CPR for your Pets – Dr. Sarah Schlee DVM

Oct. 21
Wildlife 101and Messinger Woods – Rehabilitating injured Wildlife and the Educational programs with Messinger Woods – Marianne Hites DVM
Sniffing Out the Truth – Genetic Testing in Dogs Explained – Dr. Kimberly Hitt DVM

Oct. 28
Bite Prevention: Safety and Understanding – Amanda Collin LVT, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP
Zoo Life Conservation – The Role a Zoo plays in Conservation – Dr. Kurt Volle DVM

To Register For Classes click here or go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/embed/ticketing/minivet-school

The 2025 sponsors include: Daemen University, SPCA serving Erie County, DGS of WNY, IDEXX, Purina, Hills, Nova Wealth, WNY Veterinary Medical Association, Drum Oil and Propane, and Elanco, Trocaire College, Pine Pharmacy.

Download last year’s flyer, brochure and poster below:

Sponsors for the 2024 Mini-Vet School Included:

Host

Speaker Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Link – Final Gift

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Link – Pine Pharmacy

A portion of MiniVet proceeds benefits the Pet Emergency Fund