Meghann Cant

Meghann Cant

Manager, Companion Animal Welfare Science & Policy at BC SPCA

What brought you to the Animal Welfare Program?

The Animal Welfare Program has always felt like home to me. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to take the AWP’s course in animal welfare and the ethics of animal use. Up until then, no one had discussed how animals think and feel in any of my science-related courses. Through the AWP course, I was suddenly surrounded by people encouraging me to do just that! This was truly a life-changing experience. After spending a few years working in wildlife rehabilitation, I returned to the AWP to complete my master’s degree, which investigated the rehabilitation and release of orphaned black bear cubs across North America. There is nowhere else I would have rather studied than among the AWP’s world-renowned professors and diverse graduate student research.

What have you been doing since graduating from the AWP?

Partway through my graduate degree, I joined the BC SPCA’s humane education department as an animal welfare educator. In this role, I researched and wrote educational materials targeted to children and adults. In 2020, I transitioned to my current role as manager of companion animal welfare science and policy. I now run advocacy campaigns and provide policy direction on companion animal welfare issues for the BC SPCA.

What advice do you have for students?

Volunteer as much as you can! Volunteering can give you a great sense of the type of work you enjoy doing, and provides the opportunity to connect with people who may support you in securing a job down the road.