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Guide to help vet workplaces achieve net zero published
“Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets” – Anna Judson.
The report sets out four steps workplaces can take.

A new report providing guidance on how veterinary workplaces can help tackle climate change has been published by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Vet Sustain.

The document, Net zero: The role of veterinary workplaces in tackling climate change, aims to provide a roadmap for veterinary workplaces looking to contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.

Drawing on recent research, the report looks at topics including why veterinary workplaces should act on climate change and the roles that individuals, teams, and communities can play.

It also sets out four steps that veterinary workplaces can take towards net zero:
  • Pledge: making a formal pledge or telling others of intentions
  • Plan: calculating carbon emissions in the workplace and creating a plan to reduce them
  • Proceed: taking action, such as switching to green energy providers or performing waste audits
  • Publish: reporting progress, whether internally or publicly.

Also included in the report are case studies looking at veterinary workplaces currently taking action to become more environmentally sustainable.

The most recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that 93 per cent of the veterinary surgeons who responded feel that sustainability is important to them.

Anna Judson, BVA senior vice-president, said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.

“However, there is still more work to do. Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.

“This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”

The full report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."