June Update
Celebrating progress for animals, people & planet: the latest from Vets for Climate Action
Thank you to all who have already supported our End of Financial Year fundraising appeal.
It's not too late to make a donation before June 30 and claim your tax deduction this financial year.
As we continue to lead the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for animals, people, and the environment, we’re thrilled to share our latest news, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.
Contents:
> News
> Upcoming Events
> Volunteer Opportunities
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
News
Climate Care Programme: Aotearoa New Zealand launches!
Vets for Climate Action is excited to have launched the Climate Care Programme: Aotearoa New Zealand at the recent NZVA's Annual Conference in Wellington.
Ready to get started?
Learn more or register your practice at: https://www.climatecareprogram.co.nz/ or email [email protected]Brimbank Vet Clinic wins 2025 Green Veterinary Practice of the Year
From reducing energy use and anaesthetic gas emissions, to engaging their team and clients in climate-conscious care, Brimbank Veterinary Clinic has shown that you don’t need to be a big clinic to make a big impact. 🌱⚡️
Climate Change & Emerging Parasitic Threats
Upcoming Events
VetEd Down Under Symposium 30 Jun - 3 July, Townsville
Climate change is on the agenda, and Dr Jeremy Watson is representing Vets for Climate Action this week in Townsville at the VetEd Down Under Symposium.
Join Jeremy on Tues, 1 July from 10am speaking on Net zero in practice: Implementing a strategy to deliver success, followed by Dr Neil Walton presenting Veterinary Anaesthesia: A practical pathway to a more sustainable future and Dr Rebekah Brown on The changing climate in veterinary education.
Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, 20 July - 24 July, Sunshine Coast
With thanks to the AVA, Drs Caitlin Wood and Catherine Chicken will be representing Vets for Climate Action at the upcoming Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit our stand and chat with the team about Sustainable Equine Futures: our new equine emissions reduction program and how you can get involved.
ANZCVS Vet Science Week 24 - 26 July, Gold Coast
With thanks to ANZCVS, Vets for Climate Action will be at Vet Science Week on the Gold Coast in July.
Visit us at Pod 7 and chat with Dr Caitlin Wood about our current programs including our NZ Climate Care Programme!
ZerOctober: A Call to Action for Sustainable Veterinary Care
Last October, we launched ZerOctober: a month of sustainable action so together, as a profession, we can take action towards a sustainable, thriving planet: pawfect for us and the animals we love!
This ZerOctober we want YOU to make a difference!
What is ZerOctober?
ZerOctober is a Vets for Climate Action initiative to promote more sustainable veterinary care, and celebrate the benefits of moving the veterinary profession towards Zero!
August is well established as dental care month in the veterinary profession, so let’s put the same energy into making October the month of veterinary sustainability: ZerOctober
This is an opportunity for veterinary teams and industry professionals to share ideas, celebrate success and promote the benefits of sustainability and a path to Zero in order to ensure a better future for animal healthv
Why is ZerOctober good for your practice?
The benefits to you and your team participating in ZerOctober are many, including:
- It reinforces your team's purpose: ZerOctober is about positive action for a better future for animal health
- By setting goals your team can work towards, you build team engagement
- You can unlock the benefits and savings of cheaper, more environmentally-friendly technologies
- Reducing waste and energy use will deliver savings, and
- You will build client value not just caring for their pets, but the future of all animals.
We know veterinary teams are committed to animal welfare, animal and human health, and the community.
ZerOctober is our opportunity to lead by example; As one of the most trusted professions in Australia, the community looks to veterinarians on issues of animal health.
What can you do?
We are inviting practices to prepare for ZerOctober and commit to at least one activity this October that will reduce your carbon footprint.
Visit our website to learn more or email [email protected] to get involved.
Join us for ZerOctober and let's leave a lasting legacy for generations to come!
Volunteer Opportunities
Vet Expo 2025 in Melbourne: 3 - 4 September 2025 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Volunteers will chat with attendees about the work VfCA is doing, sign people up to our mailing list or invite others to volunteer! We will host a briefing prior to the events to get you up to speed. To register your interest, or with any questions please email Clare at [email protected]
In case you missed it...
We launched our first stand-alone module in our Climate Care Program: it’s a game-changer for sustainability in veterinary practice!
This brand-new module, Veterinary Carbon & Cost Savings, tackles a crucial truth: the biggest source of waste in vet clinics isn’t what goes in the bin, it’s carbon emissions!
We break down how all forms of waste can be converted into a carbon value and how to address your clinic’s energy use is the single most powerful step you can take on behalf of our animals.
Through this module, you’ll explore the practical benefits of switching to renewable energy, the different types available, and how reducing reliance on fossil fuels can not only help combat climate change but also improve your practice’s bottom line.
💡 You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Save money on energy costs
✔️ Improve energy reliability
✔️ Understand and measure your carbon footprint
✔️ Create a clear, achievable path towards Net Zero and enjoy the benefits!
This is the easiest, most impactful step your practice can take to begin its sustainability journey. Let’s lead the way to a healthier future, for your planet, your patients, and your profession!
Watch our free Masterclasses:
Measuring Impact in Veterinary Settings
We welcomed Dr Anna Dengate, small animal internal medicine specialist, Founder & CEO of For the Love of Dogs Academy, and specialist consultant with The Vet’s North, as the presenter for our June Masterclass: Measuring Impact in Veterinary Settings.
Anna guided us through how veterinary practices can apply environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, tools often used by large corporations — to strengthen purpose, communication, and even business outcomes in the vet sector.
From Waste to Worth: How Vets can Lead on Sustainability with Banish
We invited Lottie Dalziel to present our May Masterclass: From Waste to Worth: How Vets can Lead on Sustainability with Banish
Lottie an award-winning sustainability advocate, educator, author, and founder of Banish, a platform dedicated to empowering Australians with the knowledge and tools to live more sustainably. Recognised for her impact, Lottie was named NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2023 and has been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for her contributions to sustainability and entrepreneurship.
In this session, Lottie covers how Banish make an impact and how you can too through Recycling and Circular solutions, community and collaboration, and product innovation.
From our partners..
The Federal Government's battery rebate officially launches 1 July. This creates an optimal window for veterinary practices to reduce operational costs, improve energy resilience, and advance sustainability goals while government incentives remain at their peak.
RESINC Solar & Batteries has comprehensive battery solutions for veterinary businesses that deliver significant cost savings while ensuring critical equipment protection during power outages. The systems provide backup power for essential circuits including medical supply refrigeration, lighting, automatic doors, and mobile veterinary van emergency systems.
Key features of their proposals include landlord-friendly installation methods that preserve roof integrity and can be removed with minimal damage if needed.
RESINC Solar & Batteries provide a comprehensive warranty package and covers on-site service, workmanship, inverter replacement, savings optimisation, remote monitoring, and panel performance guarantees.
Register online for your free energy assessment with RESINC Solar & Batteries
Want to help? Set up a regular donation
Monthly donations are especially powerful — they allow Vets for Climate Action to plan long-term, support more clinics, employ experienced staff, support our volunteers, maintain our programs and sustain and expand our vital work.
Whether you can give $25, $50, or $100 a month, your support will go directly toward solutions that are already working.
Make your donation before June 30 to claim your tax deduction this financial year.
Thank you for your continued support in our mission.
Warm regards,
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
W: www.vfca.org.au
p.s. Every gift—big or small—helps us protect the animals we love from the growing impacts of climate change. Thank you for standing with animals, people and the planet.
