Vet Sustain supports veterinary professionals to drive change towards a more sustainable future

The world is facing a multitude of complex and pressing challenges. Climate change, biodiversity depletion and public health pandemics are presenting existential threats to human civilisation and the natural world. Together we can make a difference.

Vision

Our vision is for the veterinary profession to be enabled as leading forces for sustainability

Mission

Our mission is to enable and inspire veterinary professionals to continually improve the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment

The 6Ws of Veterinary Sustainability

With the intention of uniting the actions of veterinary professionals, we have created six W's for sustainability. Our W's, aligned to the UN SDGs, highlight the ways that veterinary professionals can, and do, play a key role in addressing the multiple challenges facing society.

Warming

Welfare

Wellbeing

Waste

Water

Wildlife

Objectives

1

Cultivate a community of veterinary professionals to inspire & motivate sustainability actions

2

Develop and showcase balance and evidence-based approaches to sustainability decision-making in veterinary environments.

3

Become a 'go-to' trusted provider of veterinary sustainability training & education.

4

Embed a sustainable culture & support the integration of sustainability topics into the curriculum of all veterinary & veterinary nursing schools.

5

Equip vet-led businesses and organisations with the tools to implement sustainability policy and practices.

Meet the Vet Sustain team

Founded in 2019 by a group of veterinary professionals, the Vet Sustain team are volunteers who dedicate their time to championing the health of humans, animals and ecosystems.

Ed Bailey
Director & Chair
BVSc Cert AVP (Cattle) MRCVS, RCVS recognised advanced practitioner in cattle health and production

Practising as a farm animal vet, Ed works with farmers and the Soil Association to help maximise the environmental benefits of nature friendly farming. He is also Sustainability Lead for a large independent practice, helping embed sustainability as a core value.

David Black
Director
BVM&S DBR DVetMed MRCVS

Recognised as a specialist in cattle health and production by RCVS, David has dedicated his career to improving sustainability in dairy practice. David is a specialist advisor to many global and national committees and societies.

Laura Higham
Director
BVM&S MSc MRCVS

Focused on animal welfare and responsible antibiotic usage — Laura supports the food production industry to become sustainable through her work as a veterinary consultant in sustainable agriculture at FAI.

Nathan Rhys Williams
Director
BSc BVSc MRCVS

Champion of corporate sustainability and responsible investment projects through his current role as Head of Food and Health at Chronos Sustainability, Nathan has also worked with the Humane Slaughter Association and Compassion in World Farming International.

Jen Gale
Director
BVetMed, Dip Coaching, MRCVS

Founder of Sustainable(ish) - a platform and online community empowering and inspiring individuals to take eco-action. Jen is an author, a qualified coach and Carbon Literacy trainer, and previously worked in small animal practice for over 10 years.

Justine Shotton
Director
BVSc BSc MSc MRCVS

Justine is a well-known champion of environmental sustainability, conservation and animal welfare. She is currently the Head Vet for Wildlife and Exotics at the RSPCA, and a past BVA president (2021-2022), during which sustainability was her presidential theme.

Hannah Davies
Education Lead
BVMS MRCVS, MA in International Animal Health

With experience in large animal clinical practice, academia and international development, Hannah is committed to driving education for sustainable development through her role as Education Lead.

Working Groups

Our working groups have been formed by members of the Vet Sustain community. By joining together we’re able to work towards achieving our sustainability goals.