The Department of Paraclinical Sciences strives to be:

• A centre of excellence in Veterinary Public Health (VPH), Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Phyto- and Ethnoveterinary Medicine
• Locally relevant and recognized nationally, regionally and internationally for its academic excellence, innovation and focus on quality
• The department of choice for students, staff and collaborators (from within and outside South Africa) based on its excellent and stimulating teaching, research and service programmes
• A department with an enabling, motivating and value driven environment for its staff and students

The mission of the Department of Paraclinical Sciences is to:

• Provide excellent, enquiry-led undergraduate and post-graduate education in Veterinary Pathology, Pharmacology (including Phytomedicine), Toxicology and Public Health using innovative approaches in teaching and training to develop much needed human resources in these disciplines
• Develop and maintain innovative, locally relevant, internationally competitive, sustainable and academically stimulating research programmes, that fall within the Faculty's research themes
• Deliver an efficient and high quality service in veterinary pathology and toxicology diagnostics and drug and poison information
• Focus on veterinary related aspects of environmental safety, food safety and public and animal health
• Offer continuing education opportunities to the profession and the community
• Create an environment in which its staff and students can flourish
• Conduct its affairs according to the philosophy and values embedded in the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the University of Pretoria