Training

The Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory offers in-person and virtual educational opportunities. Below is a current list of these opportunities.

Continuing Education

Animal Control Officer III Training

Dates: February 8 through 10, 2027

Location: UF Austin Cary Forest, 10625 NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609

Now in its third year, the NACA ACO III Advanced Training Program delivers in-depth instruction in animal crime forensics and advanced investigative techniques. The curriculum emphasizes evidence recognition, documentation, and case development while reinforcing professional, compassionate animal control practices that support both people and pets.

click here for more info

Conferences

2027 Animal ForensiCon

Dates: May 12 through 14, 2027

Location: Sirata St. Pete Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The 2027 Animal ForensiCon: Animal Forensic Investigations Conference will be a three-day event, offered in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The conference is hosted by the University of Florida’s Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory.

ForensiCon will offer workshops and educational sessions on a wide variety of topics pertaining to criminal investigations, law, small animal investigations, equine and livestock investigations, and wildlife crimes. This conference is open to anyone interested in animal forensic investigations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with faculty, experts, and investigators.

click here for more forensicon info!

Student Training Opportunities

Student Virtual Veterinary Forensics Rounds (Online)

The Veterinary Forensics Student Rounds are hosted by the Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory. These rounds are open to veterinary, law, and criminal justice students, as well as other professional, master’s, and doctoral students who want to learn about the field of veterinary forensics. These rounds are offered once a month with varying formats (case presentations, lectures, literature reviews, demonstrations, and virtual interactive activities).

Date, Time, and Location: Zoom platform, second Wednesday of Every Month, from 7 pm to 8 pm (EST) (Virtual Program)

click here to register for rounds

Forensic Externship

The Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory offers an externship program in Veterinary Forensic Science. This externship is available to junior and senior veterinary students with an interest in veterinary forensics. Externs will be able to observe cases submitted to the VFSL and will receive hands-on training in evidence-handling protocols and forensic techniques.

Period of externship: The externship period is 1-2 weeks long

click here to learn about the forensic externship