Join our October 2024 cohort now

Course starts Monday 7th October 2024, places are limited, enrol now to reserve your place

Course Overview

This course will empower veterinary professionals to drive the changes needed at a practice level, and to have the conversations needed more widely – for the benefit of the animals under our care, our communities, wildlife and the wider environment. The course offers a step-by-step guide to action sustainability in veterinary practice and embed these principles into our daily veterinary work. Learners will explore carbon footprinting and policy making, the carbon 'pawprint' of pet ownership, sustainability in the operating theatre, resource use and procurement, responsible use of medicines, waste management, understanding and creating behavioural change, and much more!

  • Sustainability course designed for veterinarians and paraprofessionals

  • Self-Paced Online Learning Course

  • Designed to fit around busy work and life schedules

  • Suitable for all roles within the veterinary profession

  • Primarily companion animal focused, although the principles are applicable to all spheres of clinical practice

  • Create an environmental management system for your workplace - including policies, audits and action plans

  • Equivalent to 35 hours of CPD

  • Attain a LANTRA accredited certificate

Curriculum

    1. Course Overview

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Welcome to the Course from Module Authors

    3. Modules

    4. What to Expect

      FREE PREVIEW
    5. How to Navigate The Course - Top Tips

    6. Pre-CPD Questionnaire

    7. Directory of recommended reading and resources

    8. About Us

    1. Brief Overview

    2. Module Champion: Laura Higham

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. TASK 1.1 Introduction

    4. 1.1 Introduction

    5. 1.2 What is climate change?

    6. 1.2.1 What is causing the climate to change?

    7. 1.3 The Anthropocene

    8. DEEP DIVE 1.3 The Anthropocene

    9. TASK 1.3 The Anthropocene

    10. 1.4 How is the veterinary profession impacting on the climate?

    11. 1.5 How much has the Earth warmed?

    12. DEEP DIVE 1.5 How much has the Earth warmed?

    13. 1.5.1 The Impact of 1.1 Degrees of Warming

    14. 1.5.2 The impacts of current warming on the veterinary profession

    15. TASK 1.5.2 The impacts of current warming on the veterinary profession

    16. 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?

    17. TASK 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?

    18. DEEP DIVE 1.6 What action has been taken on climate change globally?

    19. 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?....continued

    20. TASK 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?

    21. QUICK QUIZ 1.6.1 What action has been taken on climate change globally?

    22. 1.7 Where are we heading?

    23. DEEP DIVE 1.7 Where are we heading?

    24. 1.7.1 Tipping points

    25. 1.8 What do we need to do?

    26. 1.9 But it's not just about climate change

    27. 1.9.1 The biodiversity crisis

    28. 1.9.2 How is the veterinary profession impacting on our ecological systems?

    29. DEEP DIVE 1.9.2 How is the veterinary profession impacting on our ecological systems?

    30. 1.10 The role of the veterinary profession

    31. 1.10.1 The One Health Concept

    32. DEEP DIVE 1.10.1 The One Health Concept

    33. 1.10.2 A changing profession

    34. TASK 1.10.2 A changing profession

    35. 1.11 Final Reflection

    36. 1.12 References

    1. Brief Overview

    2. Module Champion: Alice Moore

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. 2.1 Introduction

    4. TASK 2.1 Introduction

    5. 2.2 What is meant by the term 'sustainability'

    6. 2.3 Planetary Boundaries

    7. 2.4 The triple bottom line

    8. QUICK QUIZ 2.4 The triple bottom line

    9. 2.5 Social Sustainability

    10. DEEP DIVE 2.5 Social Sustainability

    11. 2.5.1 Social Sustainability.....continued

    12. TASK 2.5.1 Social Sustainability.....continued

    13. 2.6 Sustainability: A destination or a journey?

    14. 2.7 Is operating in a sustainable manner enough, or do we need to do more?

    15. QUICK QUIZ 2.7 Is operating in a sustainable manner enough, or do we need to do more?

    16. 2.8 Opportunities gained from embracing sustainability

    17. 2.9 How UK Carbon Legislation affects veterinary practices

    18. DEEP DIVE 2.9 How UK Carbon Legislation affects veterinary practices

    19. 2.10 Creating an environmental management system

    20. TASK 2.10 Creating an environmental management system

    21. 2.10.1 Creating an environmental management system.....continued

    22. 2.11 Continuous improvement vs quality improvement

    23. DEEP DIVE 2.11 Continuous improvement vs quality improvement

    24. 2.12 External accreditation schemes/awards/standards

    25. 2.13 Elevator Pitch

    26. TASK 2.13 Elevator Pitch

    27. 2.14 Greenwashing

    28. QUICK QUIZ 2.14 Greenwashing

    29. 2.15 Marketing sustainability

    30. 2.16 Perfection is the enemy of progress

    31. 2.17 Final Reflection

    32. 2.18 References

    33. Introducing: The Project

    1. Brief Overview

    2. Module Champion: Emily Appleby

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. 3.1 Introduction

    4. TASK 3.1 Introduction

    5. 3.2 What is a carbon footprint?

    6. QUICK QUIZ 3.2 What is a carbon footprint

    7. 3.3 Why do we need to measure carbon footprints?

    8. TASK 3.3 Why do we need to measure carbon footprints?

    9. 3.4 What do we need to measure?

    10. DEEP DIVE 3.4 What do we need to measure?

    11. TASK 3.4 What do we need to measure?

    12. 3.5 How to get started

    13. 3.6 Setting Targets

    14. 3.6.1 Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

    15. 3.6.2 Race to Zero

    16. TASK 3.6.2 Race to Zero

    17. 3.7.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy

    18. DEEP DIVE 3.7.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy

    19. 3.7.1.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy

    20. DEEP DIVE 3.7.1.1 Reducing emissions - GHG Management Hierarchy

    21. 3.8 Create a plan

    22. 3.9 Taking action

    23. 3.10 Carbon footprint PLUS

    24. 3.11 Final Reflection

    25. 3.12 References

    1. Brief Overview

    2. Module Champion: Gudrun Ravetz

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. TASK 4.1 Introduction

    4. 4.1 Introduction: The carbon footprint of pet ownership

    5. TASK 4.1.1 The carbon pawprint of pet ownership

    6. 4.2 Preventative Healthcare = Sustainable Healthcare

    7. 4.3 Avoiding Unnecessary Clinical Interventions

    8. 4.4 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Nutrition

    9. DEEP DIVE 4.4 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Nutrition

    10. 4.4.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Raw Food Diets

    11. 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Insect Based Diets

    12. TASK 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Insect Based Diets

    13. 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Plant Based Diets

    14. DEEP DIVE 4.4.2 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Plant Based Diets

    15. 4.5 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Obesity

    16. 4.5.1 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals

    17. QUICK QUIZ 4.5.1 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals

    18. TASK 4.5.2 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals

    19. 4.5.2 Obesity - Diseases reported to be associated with obesity in companion animals

    20. 4.6 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering

    21. DEEP DIVE 4.6 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering

    22. TASK 4.6.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering

    23. 4.6.1 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Neutering

    24. 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination

    25. DEEP DIVE 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination

    26. QUICK QUIZ 4.7 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Vaccination

    27. 4.8 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Dental Care

    28. DEEP DIVE 4.8 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Dental Care

    29. 4.9 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Parasite Control

    30. 4.10 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Endoparasite Control

    31. 4.11 Models Of Preventative Healthcare - Ectoparasite Control

    32. 4.12 Hereditary Disease

    33. TASK 4.12 Hereditary Disease

    34. 4.12.1 Hereditary Disease continued

    35. DEEP DIVE 4.12 Hereditary Disease

    36. 4.13 How Sustainable Is The Importation Of Rescue Dogs And Cats?

    37. DEEP DIVE 4.13 How Sustainable Is The Importation Of Rescue Dogs And Cats?

    38. 4.14 Preventative Healthcare And Engaging With Clients

    39. 4.14.1 Preventative Healthcare And Engaging With Clients - Client Information Sheets from Old Hall Vets

    40. 4.15 Personalised Care

    41. 4.16 Use Your Influence

    42. 4.17 Sustainable Pet Ownership Clinics

    43. 4.18 End Of Life

    44. 4.19 Welfare

    45. 4.20 Final Reflection

    46. 4.21 References

    1. Brief Overview

    2. Module Champion: Hannah James

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. TASK 5.1 Introduction

    4. 5.1 Introduction

    5. 5.2 Procurement

    6. 5.2.1 Procurement - Life Cycle Analysis

    7. TASK 5.2.1 Procurement

    8. QUICK QUIZ 5.2.1 Procurement - Circular Economy

    9. 5.2.2 Procurement - Sustainable Procurement Considerations

    10. DEEP DIVE 5.2.2 Procurement

    11. 5.2.3 Procurement - Vet Sustain Green Procurement List

    12. TASK 5.2.3 Procurement - Green Swaps

    13. 5.2.4 Procurement - Sustainable Procurement Policy

    14. 5.3 Stock Control

    15. 5.4 Energy Use in Practice - Electricity

    16. QUICK QUIZ 5.4 Energy Use in Practice

    17. 5.4.1 Energy Use in Practice continued

    18. TASK 5.4.1 Energy Use in Practice

    19. 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice - Solar Panels

    20. TASK 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice

    21. DEEP DIVE 5.4.2 Energy Use in Practice

    22. 5.4.3 Energy Use in Practice - Central Heating

    23. QUICK QUIZ 5.4.3 Energy Use in Practice

    24. 5.5 Water Use in Practice

    25. TASK 5.5 Water Use in Practice

    26. 5.5.1 Water Use in Practice

    27. DEEP DIVE 5.5.1 Water Use in Practice

    28. 5.6 Paper Use in Practice

    29. 5.7 Responsible Resource Use

    30. TASK 5.7 Responsible Resource Use

    31. 5.8 Final Reflection

    32. 5.9 References

About this course

  • £1,500.00
  • 368 lessons
  • Live and Recorded Tutorials from Course Facilitator
  • Interactive Content including Charts and Figures, as well as videos from Module Champions
  • Opportunity for Deep Dives and Recommended Reading

Future Course Dates

Our next courses will run in April and October 2025. Places are limited, register your interest below

What Students Can Expect From The Course

  • Discussion Forums

    Students will have the opportunity to join and interact with a community of like minded veterinary professionals taking the course at the same time

  • Online Tutorials

    Option to attend live (recorded) online tutorials at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions

  • LANTRA Certificate

    Upon completion of the course and submission of an assignment successful students will receive a LANTRA accredited certificate

Hear what those who have joined the course have to say:

I have found it incredibly interesting and informative!

Judy Scrine, Veterinary Surgeon and Member BVA Electoral College

"Having worked through half the course so far, I have found it incredibly interesting and informative. It is helping me to fill in the many gaps in my knowledge about sustainability, and is also allowing me to be much better prepared to enter into meaningful climate change conversations and to fulfil my role as chair of the Vet Sustain Equine Subgroup. I have already been inspired to make a significant number of changes in my own sphere and feel I now have the information to encourage others to do the same. Not to mention satisfying all 35 hours of my CPD requirement in one chunk! Thank you Vet Sustain for this amazing opportunity."

An excellent course!

Helen Gould, Vet & Old Hall Vets Practice Owner.

"An excellent course. Really well put together. Very accessible and full of interesting and pertinent information all of which is of immediate use as we strive to make the vet profession more sustainable."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I eligible to sign up for the course?

  • This course is primarily companion animal focussed, although the principles are applicable to all clinical practices. All members of the vet-led team are welcome to enrol on the course, there is some scientific content throughout the course but learners should not find this too challenging.

  • How much is the course?

  • The full price of the course will be £1,250 +VAT per student. Overseas (non-UK) businesses may be eligible for a non-VAT price of £1,250, please contact us for more information.

  • How long with the course take me to complete?

  • We expect each module to take around 3 hours to complete over the course of 6-9 months. In addition there are a number of deep dives and a list of further reading for those interested in a particular area or wishing to expand their knowledge further. We highly recommend diarising regular study sessions to keep progressing through the course content.

  • How much support with I have during the course?

  • There will be a live (and recorded) tutorial with the community and course organisers at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions. Students will also join a community of veterinary professionals all taking the course at the same time, to help each other along the way.

  • What do I need to accomplish in order to complete the course and receive my LANTRA accredited certificate?

  • During the course there will be tasks and quick quizzes to solidify learning throughout the course. In order to receive the LANTRA accredited certificate for completing the course, you are also required to complete an assignment. You will accumulate all the knowledge you require during the course to complete this assignment. In the assignment, you should formulate a strategy for driving sustainability within your clinical veterinary business. Consideration must be given as to how to effect cultural change, create an environmental management system and ensure continuous improvement in environmental performance long term.

Meet our Course Authors

Zoe Halfacree

MA VetMB CertVDI CertSAS FHEA DipECVS FRCVS.

Zoë is a veterinary surgeon with a passion for environmental sustainability. She is a European specialist in small animal veterinary surgery (Soft Tissue) and works at Davies Veterinary Specialists, Linnaeus. Zoë previously worked at the Royal Veterinary College and has provided training to other veterinary professionals via lecturing nationally and internationally, publishing scientific papers and writing book chapters. Zoë was awarded the Fellowship of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in August 2021 for meritorious contribution to clinical veterinary practice. She is a subject matter expert for Sustainability on the Linnaeus Clinical Board. Zoë is a Director of Vet Sustain and was Chair of the Greener Veterinary Practice working group from 2020 to 2022. Zoë has completed the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership course in Business Sustainability in 2020 and is currently completing a Masters course in Sustainability and Behaviour Change at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales. Zoë was recognised as the Green Individual of the year by Webinar Vet in 2023 for her work in sustainability in clinical practice.
Zoe Halfacree

Becky Sedman

BVSc MRCVS

Becky graduated from Liverpool in 2018 and currently works for a small animal referral hospital in Yorkshire. She previously completed the Business Sustainability Management course with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, worked as the Sustainability Advisor for VetPartners and was a previous Chair of the Vet Sustain Greener Veterinary Practice working group. Becky has practical experience of implementing an environmental management system in a large first opinion veterinary hospital whereby they successfully achieved the highest level Investors in the Environment award. She has delivered a number of webinars and presentations on the topic of sustainability at veterinary conferences and universities.
Becky Sedman

Jen Gale

BVetMed Dip Coaching(Hons) MRCVS

Jen qualified in 2004 from the Royal Veterinary College and worked in small animal practice for over 10 years. She is the founder of Sustainable(ish) - a platform all about empowering and inspiring ‘ordinary non-greenies’ to take imperfect eco-action, and is the author of The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide and The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting. Jen is a qualified coach and a certified Carbon Literacy trainer, as well as Vet Sustain Director.
Jen Gale

About Vet Sustain

Vet Sustain supports veterinary professionals to become leading forces for sustainability

Vet Sustain is a not-for-profit community interest company on a mission to inspire and enable members of the veterinary professions to drive change for a more sustainable future. Vet Sustain produces the tools, training, communications and advocacy centred around our six Veterinary Sustainability Goals, to help veterinary professionals and teams to continually improve the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment through their day-to-day work. We seek to contribute to global food strategy, particularly around animal health and welfare and sustainable agriculture, and develop relationships and networks, to build capacity and collaborate globally.