The Department is among four (4) Departments under the School of Veterinary Sciences (SoVS), and it is located at the Nyankpala campus of the University. It was specifically established in May, 2023 alongside the Department of Veterinary Medicine to complement two already existing Departments i.e., the Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Department of Veterinary Nursing.

A companion animal or an assistance animal is one that could be a cat, dog, or any sort of animal. Species suitable to be companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, small mammals, small reptiles and fish. They provide emotional support for a person. Companion animals are generally known to provide several health benefits to humans. These include physiological benefits, psychological benefits and social benefits. Among other benefits, animals have been demonstrated to improve human cardio-vascular health, reduce stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and facilitate social interactions among people who choose to have pets.

The vision of the department is to become a centre of excellence with local, national and international recognition in training, research and extension in all aspects of companion animal husbandry & health. It will also be transdisciplinary in its approach and response to current societal issues and needs relating to companion animal husbandry & health.

1. The department is intended to complement the efforts of the other Departments in training students under the BSc. in Veterinary Nursing and Doctor of Veterinary Medical (DVM) programmes. It is to educate and develop students with life skills and knowledge in companion animal husbandry & health and related areas. This includes their care, nutrition, reproduction, behaviour, health issues, and the various roles played by these animals including their close connection to humans (Human-Animal Bond).
2. To engage, communicate and serve the public and the individuals involved in the production, handling and management of companion animals especially in northern Ghana.
3. Furthermore, the department intends to prepare individuals for employment or graduate studies/education in fields such as companion animal science and companion animal welfare.
4. The delivery of this mission is directed to the students of the department, the scientific community, and other stakeholders of the department and the university as a whole