A Sustainable Approach to Clinical Veterinary Practice Part 1

A Sustainable Approach to Clinical Veterinary Practice

Enroll on our 10 module online course now and receive a 10% discount on course price. Our course is also available to purchase in 3 parts - allowing you to spread the cost of your sustainability training over 18 months

Buy in Full £1125 +VAT Buy Part 1 £500 +VAT

Become a sustainability champion today

Are you ready to support meaningful change for a sustainable future? Registration is now open for our online course. This course will empower veterinary professionals to drive the changes needed at a practice level to meet the needs of a changing profession, offering a step-by-step guide to action sustainability in veterinary practice and embed these principles into our daily veterinary work.

Sustainability course designed for veterinarians and all roles within the veterinary profession
Self-Paced Online Learning Course - designed to fit around busy work and life schedules
Primarily companion animal focused, although the principles are applicable to all spheres of clinical practice
10 modules equivalent to 35 hours of CPD
Available to purchase all 10 modules as a one-off payment, or in 3 part installments
Attain a LANTRA accredited certificate after completion of all 10 modules

Curriculum: Part 1

1. Course Overview
2. Welcome to the Course from Module Authors
3. Modules
4. What to Expect
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
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
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
34. The Project Assessment Strategy
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Emily Appleby
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
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. Part 1 Completion and Introduction to Part 2
2. Course Conclusion
3. ASACVP Assignment: Integrating sustainability initiatives in practice

About this course

£600.00
152 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

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 all 3 parts 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

'I have found [the course] incredibly interesting and informative. It is helping me to fill the many gaps in my knowledge about sustainability, and it is also allowing me to be much better prepared to enter into meaningful climate change conservations... 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 requirements in one chunk! Thank you Vet Sustain'

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 across all clinical practices. All veterinary professionals and members of the wider veterinary team (including practice management) 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 price of part 1 of the course is £500 +VAT per student. Overseas (non-UK) businesses only may be eligible for a non-VAT price of £500.
How long with the course take me to complete?
We expect each module to take around 3 - 5 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, and in the middle of the course to consolidate learning, 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 discussion tasks and quick quizzes to solidify learning throughout the course which are compulsory. In order to receive the LANTRA accredited certificate for completing all 3 parts of 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, in-depth assessment guidance is given in the course.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit the Vet Sustain Website

Pricing Options

The price of Part 1 of the course is £500 +VAT

All UK residents and overseas individuals are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). Overseas businesses are eligible to purchase the course exclusive of VAT, this discount will be automatically applied at the checkout when valid business details are provided.

UK - Enrol Now

Overseas Registration

Not from the UK? No Problem!

Participants are able to purchase the course in a range of local currencies. Here are our most popular choices - if your currency is not listed please email us [email protected]. Overseas businesses are eligible to purchase the course exclusive of VAT, this discount will be automatically applied at the checkout when valid business details are provided.

Currency	Price	Purchase Link	Currency	Price	Purchase Link
Australian Dollars (AUD)	$995.00	Click here for AUD	New Zealand Dollars (NZD)	$1095.00	Click here for NZD
Danish Krone (DKK)	DKK 4450.00	Click here for DKK	US Dollars (USD)	$625.00	Click Here for USD
Euros (EUR)	€600.00	Click here for EUR