
2024-10-17
Build a greener future: How VetFamily supports independent clinics in sustainability
As part of the VetFamily community, you as a member clinic contribute to a bigger mission – creating a more sustainable future for animal health. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plan is here to help clinics like yours embrace sustainability while improving your business.
Sustainability: A smart business move
Sustainability isn't just good for the planet; it's good for business. In fact, 52% of pet owners say they’d pay more for services at clinics with a smaller environmental footprint. This allows independent clinics to stand out by adopting eco-friendly practices that attract environmentally conscious clients.
Key areas where your clinic can make a difference
We’ve identified three easy ways your clinic can get started on the path to sustainability:
- Energy efficiency: Cut down on electricity use to lower both your bills and your environmental impact.
- Waste management: Set up recycling programs and reduce medical waste in a more eco-friendly way.
- Sustainable products: Offer clients environmentally friendly and organic pet care options.
How our sustainability plan helps you
As part of Vimian Group, our ESG strategy is built around three main areas: People, Animals, and the Planet. It’s designed to help clinics like yours adopt sustainable practices, improve your team’s work-life balance, and stay ahead of industry changes.
PEOPLE
We’re focused on making VetFamily and our member community the best place to work in animal health. Here’s how that benefits your clinic:
- Access to development programs that help you and your team grow.
- Tools to create a great work environment that attracts and keeps top talent.
- Guidance on handling stress and tough communication better, for a healthier workplace.
ANIMALS
We’re always looking for new ways to improve animal welfare and reduce the use of antibiotics. That means:
- From our partner suppliers you’ll have access to hundreds of products that help reduce antimicrobial resistance.
- Training opportunities to keep your team up to date on both medical and operational developments.
PLANET
VetFamily is on a mission to achieve net-zero climate impact. For your clinic, this means:
- Support in reducing your carbon footprint.
- Access to sustainable products and guidance on meeting new regulations.
Simple steps your clinic can take right now
Here are some quick ways to align your clinic with our sustainability goals:
- Switch to eco-friendly energy: Save money and reduce your clinic's environmental impact by switching to renewable energy sources.
- Recycle and manage waste better: Set up recycling for medical plastic waste and adopt greener waste management practices.
- Stock sustainable products: Offer pet owners eco-friendly products to show your commitment to sustainability.
- Stay educated: Take advantage of VetFamily’s training programs to learn the latest on sustainability and innovative treatments.
- Engage your clients: Let your clients know about the steps you're taking towards sustainability. This will attract more pet owners who care about the environment.
Reach out to us if you want to know more about how to move forward and where to find support and guidance.
Why sustainability matters for independent clinics
Sustainability is about more than just protecting the environment—it’s becoming crucial to the success of independent veterinary clinics. Clinics that adopt sustainable practices now are not only more attractive to clients and staff, but also better positioned to save on costs and stay compliant with future regulations.
By embracing sustainability, your clinic can contribute to a healthier planet, attract more clients, and build a stronger business. We’re here to support you every step of the way, making sustainability easy and rewarding for your clinic. Together, let’s build a more sustainable future in animal health.