New Resource Helps Vets Guide Pet Owners to Reduce Their Pets’ Carbon Pawprint
As concern for environmental sustainability continues to grow within the veterinary profession, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) together with Vet Sustain are launching a new online resource designed to help vets support clients in reducing their pet’s “carbon pawprint.”
Vet Sustain
With 93% of vets reporting that environmental sustainability is personally important to them, the resource, titled ‘How can I reduce my pet’s environmental impact?’, provides practical advice for conversations between vets and pet owners on how to make more sustainable decisions around pet care.
“We know many vets are concerned about the role the veterinary profession has in protecting the planet … This new resource aims to support vets to have those conversations with clients and inspire them to become more sustainable pet owners, right from the moment of choosing what pet to welcome into their family.”
— Dr Anna Judson, BVA Senior Vice President
Key features of the resource include:
Choosing the right pet – Encouraging responsible breeding and helping potential owners select pets they can properly care for. Healthy animals typically need fewer medical interventions over their lifetime, which reduces emissions and waste.
Considering pet diets – Balancing nutrition with sustainability, including portion control and minimizing waste associated with excess or inappropriate feeding.
Keep your pet healthy – Regular vaccinations, dental care, and maintaining healthy weight all contribute to fewer treatments down the line. Prevention is better than cure—for both pet welfare and environmental impact
Rethinking toys and accessories – Offering enrichment without overproducing waste. Tips include choosing durable materials or encouraging play and walks instead of constant purchases of new items.
Respecting wildlife and keeping pets healthy – Advice spans several areas from the welfare of local ecosystems to preventive health care for pets, to reduce the need for higher-impact interventions.
The resource builds on the momentum started by the joint Net Zero report published last year by BVA, which offers guidance for veterinary professionals looking to reduce their workplace environmental impact.
“As vets, we are able to not only give advice and information on pet care, health and welfare, but can also support our clients with their sustainability goals. We’re really pleased to have teamed up with BVA for this new resource, which is a really helpful prompt for these conversations and can help owners to understand the impact their pet can have on the planet and guide them on their way to cutting their pet’s carbon pawprint.”
— Justine Shotton, Director of Vet Sustain
The new resource will be featured at the London Vet Show (Excel London, 20-21 November 2025).