Dr. Jennifer Woolf uncovers the details of veterinary forensics

Listen in as we talk with Dr. Jennifer Woolf and uncover the details of veterinary forensics. In this second episode she digs into the laws and of veterinary forensics, shares her experiences, and where colleagues can go for resources to learn about state-specific regulations.

*Trigger warning: this episode may include triggers associated with animal abuse and human abuse.*

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Defining veterinary forensics
• Top issues in the veterinary forensics field
• Laws and legal process for reporting animal abuse
• The role of law enforcement in animal abuse cases
• Resources available for colleagues looking to learn more

As always, we want to hear from YOU. Please share your thoughts by sending an email or joining the conversation.

GUEST BIO:

Jennifer Woolf, DVM, MS

Dr. Woolf (pronouns: she/her) is a veterinarian with a Master of Science degree concentrated in Veterinary Forensics. Over the years, she has worked in private practices and animal welfare organizations as well as owning her own relief veterinary services business for many years. In 2014 she founded Woolf Veterinary Forensics Consulting where she lectures internationally on animal abuse, the Link, and veterinary forensics, as well as investigating and consulting on individual cases. She also works for Veterinary Information Network (VIN) as a Topic Specialist consulting on message boards, developing resources, and providing webinars on animal abuse and veterinary forensics for VIN members. Additionally, she writes articles for VIN members and the public. Dr. Woolf has published numerous articles, education modules, and a book chapter on animal cruelty topics, and was a 2018-2019 Don Low-CVMA Practitioner Fellow at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in the Anatomic Pathology Department. Previously, she was an instructor in the University of Florida Veterinary Forensic Sciences Online Graduate Program. Dr. Woolf is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association (IVFSA), and a founding member of the Alameda County Animal Cruelty Task Force. Previously she has served on the boards of the IVFSA and the Contra Costa County Veterinary Medical Association.

LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Dr. Jennifer Woolf initial Veterinary Pulse podcast episode: https://vinfoundation.org/dr-jennifer-woolf-on-raising-awareness-about-veterinary-forensics-and-the-importance-of-asking-the-right-questions/
• Dr. Jennifer Woolf website: https://www.wvfcinc.com/
• AVMA animal welfare toolkit: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/responding-to-suspected-animal-cruelty-maltreatment
• Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Animal Abuse and Veterinary Forensics Center: https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=27494
• Melinda Merck - https://www.amazon.com/Veterinary-Forensics-Animal-Cruelty-Investigations/dp/0470961627
• University of Florida veterinary forensics: https://info.distance.ufl.edu/l/307541/2025-07-06/56xwzx
• National Link Coalition nationallinkcoalition.org
• Animallaw.info Michigan State
• International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association: https://www.ivfsa.org/
• VIN Foundation Vets4Vets®: https://vinfoundation.org/v4v
• If you enjoy these podcast episodes, please support this podcast with a gift: https://vinfoundation.org/give

Get updates to stay tuned for the VIN Foundation webinars on student debt.

You may learn more about the VIN Foundation, on the website, or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

If you like this podcast, we would appreciate it if you follow and share. As always, we welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a podcast episode, we’d love to hear it!