Vet practice sustainability micro-course launched
“Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges” – Helen Ballantyne.
A new micro-course on sustainability in veterinary practice is being launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The online distance-learning course, which will be available from February, will explore what practices can do to meet the new sustainability standards introduced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The course will take a One Health approach to the issue and provide concrete examples of how practices can make large and small changes to become more sustainable. It will look at topics including using fewer single-use items, switching to renewable energy supplies, and using low-flow anaesthesia to reduce leakage of greenhouse gases.
SRUC has said that the course would suit registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, although it can also be completed by other professionals who work in veterinary practices. It takes 12 weeks to complete.
The course was co-created by registered veterinary nurses Helen Ballantyne and Laura Edwards.
Ms Ballantyne said: “Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges.”
“By empowering veterinary professionals with sustainable tools and insights, we aim to create a positive impact that supports animal welfare, community health and ecological balance.”
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
