MATC Veterinary Technician Program

The Animals

Most of the animals housed at MATC have been obtained from local humane societies or purchased from reputable vendors. The program does not accept "donations" from private owners. Most of the vendors used are licensed by the USDA as class A or B vendors. Exceptions to this are the vendors from whom the cattle, goats, sheep, and ponies are purchased who are usually private farmers.

Although MATC is registered by the USDA as a research facility, the animals are utilized for teaching purposes only. No experimental research is conducted at this facility. The animals are here to provide the opportunity for the students to obtain hands-on learning in the areas of restraint, nursing, radiology and surgical nursing procedures. The number of animals the facility maintains is based on housing availability and numbers of students enrolled in the programs.

Here at MATC, we hold our animals in the highest respect. As required by the USDA, our facility has established protocols for the use of animals in all courses and for providing veterinary care to all the animals housed at MATC. These protocols include guidelines for providing housing and sanitation, exercise and social enrichment as well as disease treatment and emergency care. The animal staff consists of the institutional veterinarian, the animal care supervisor, and a large staff of student animal caretakers. In addition, the facility has an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) whose function is to review animal use/teaching protocols and to oversee general animal care issues and concerns.

At the conclusion of each semester or in some cases unit of study, most of the animals become available for adoption. Some of the rodent species are donated to pet stores or wildlife rehabilitation centers and the farm animals may be resold or boarded until the following semester. The adoption of the animals at MATC has been very successful over the past several years, due to the dedication of our staff.