The microcredential course for animal welfare control bodies is a future-oriented training program for qualified personnel for official activities in animal welfare control within the public veterinary administration in accordance with Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Control Ordinance. Successful completion of the extraordinary course of study is a prerequisite for commissioning and appointment for official activities in the field of animal welfare.

The practical application of the knowledge imparted is intended to enable participants in the MC course to carry out the activities required in the context of animal welfare inspections at a high professional level and on the basis of new developments in the field of animal welfare and knowledge of the relevant legal provisions.

Graduates can demonstrate knowledge of the following topics and apply it:

• Legal basis of animal welfare and animal transport legislation, including the associated procedural rights;
• Animal welfare for pets and hobby animals: general husbandry requirements, animal breeding (with particular emphasis on cruel breeding practices), special requirements for commercial animal husbandry and for keeping animals in animal shelters and zoos;
• Animal welfare for farm animals: basic knowledge of the organization and production methods of agriculture;
• Protection of animals during slaughter and killing: ethical principles, stunning methods, killing methods;
• Conflict management with special consideration of animal welfare aspects.

The acquisition of comprehensive professional competence is a priority and is ensured through the integration of case studies and case discussions.

The part-time training course in blended learning format (combination of classroom and distance learning) consists of lectures and exercises, some of which are combined. It is divided into two modules, one of which includes a final exam, over a period of one semester.

The MC course for animal welfare control bodies is conducted in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection to provide economic and organizational support.

Key data

Duration: 1 semester (11 ECTS)

Qualification: Successful completion is confirmed by a certificate that includes the name of the microcredential course, the courses including assessment and scope of ECTS-AP, and their learning outcomes.

Costs: €2350 (The course fee must be paid in full before the start of the course, as must the ÖH fee of €25.20).

Minimum number of participants: 20 people

Location of courses: Online (Collaborate) / Vetmeduni campus / AGES, Mödling

Location of exams: In person at Vetmeduni

Collaborate (Fa Vetucation®) is used for the webinars, including the e-learning phase. A device, camera, and microphone are required to participate.

A mobile device with internet access is required to participate in the attendance days.

Admission requirements

Admission to the microcredential course requires proof of successful completion of one of the following courses:

•     Zoology in the field of biology
•     Veterinary medicine
•     the field of study of livestock sciences in the field of agriculture
•     as a fisheries specialist or fisheries master in the field of pond management
•     for the teaching profession of animal keeper
•     the Higher Technical College for Agriculture, the Higher Technical College for General Agriculture, or the Higher Technical College for Alpine Agriculture

or

•     training recognized or deemed equivalent under a state treaty within the framework of European integration

as well as

•     persons in the service of the state or a statutory city, if they perform relevant professional tasks

Required documents

Applications for a place on the microcredential course must be submitted in writing to the course director. The application must include proof of fulfillment of the admission requirements and the following documents:

•     Completed application form
•     Valid proof of identity
•     Confirmation of training

If available:

•     Confirmation of employment in the public veterinary administration
•     Commitment of employment by potential clients or employers
•     Any references

Application deadline

February 5, 2026 to March 1, 2026

Admission and enrollment are only possible before the start of the microcredential course.

Application form (German)

Course start date

March 11, 2026

Schedule (German)

Study plan (German)

Collaborate guide (German)

Contact: tierschutzkontrolle@vetmeduni.ac.at