Welcome to ZerOctober, initiated by VfCA and dedicated to promoting sustainable veterinary care.
October brings something special – ZerOctober, a month-long initiative by Vets for Climate Action dedicated to promoting sustainable veterinary care and celebrating our collective journey towards reducing carbon emissions and our environmental impact.
What is ZerOctober?
Just as August is recognized as dental care month in our profession, October is now the month of veterinary sustainability. ZerOctober is your opportunity to:
✨ Share ideas and best practices
🎉 Celebrate sustainability successes
🌱 Promote the benefits of environmental action
🐾 Ensure a better future for animal health
Why Your Paw-ticipation Matters
Recent data shows that veterinary professionals and pet owners are deeply invested in sustainable practices:
Veterinary Professional Engagement
- 76% of veterinary staff feel it’s important to know their clinic strives to be as environmentally sustainable as possible
- 89% of veterinarians (UK survey) desire to play a more active role in sustainability
Client Expectations
- 65% of pet owners want to be informed about the efforts their veterinary clinic makes to reduce environmental impacts
- Over 50% of pet owners would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with reduced environmental impact
- This number grows to approximately 65% for Generation Z, underscoring purpose-based choices made by younger generations
Trust and Influence
- 95% of animal owners trust veterinary professionals
- 91% recognise veterinarians as essential or very important to society
The message is clear: This is the decisive decade for collective action, and your clients, staff, and the planet are ready for change.
How to Paw-ticipate in ZerOctober
STEP 1: LEARN
Discover how climate care connects to animal care. Understanding is the foundation of action.
Suggested Action Items:
- Visit the VFCA Knowledge Hub for resources and case studies
- Watch our free Masterclasses on sustainability in practice
- Follow @VetsforClimateAction on social media for daily tips
- Review AVA policies on Climate Action (2022) and Sustainability (2025)
STEP 2: ACT
Transform knowledge into real change. Commit to ONE activity in each category:
Check out the website for suggested activities, get creative, and see what works for you!
STEP 3: INSPIRE
Amplify your impact by sharing your journey with your team, clients and friends:
- Document: Track cost savings, emission reductions, and team engagement
- Post: Tag @VetsforClimateAction with #ZerOctober and #ClimateCarePractice
- Educate: Share how your practice protects animal futures through climate action
- Recruit: Encourage other practices to join
REMEMBER: Share your wins, actions, and learnings with your team, clients, and community. Every action counts, and every voice matters.
Already on your sustainability journey?
Take the ZEROCTOBER CHALLENGE!
Push further with advanced actions and ambitious goals.
Get Started Today and Together, We Can Make a Difference
The human-animal bond is not only mutually beneficial for people and pets – it is also essential for a healthy planet.
Let’s make ZerOctober 2025 a turning point for sustainable veterinary care. Whether you’re taking your first steps or advancing an established program, your participation matters.
Welcome to ZerOctober. Where every practice counts.
For questions, resources, or support, visit www.vfca.org.au/zeroctober or contact us at climatecare@vfca.org.au
Let’s move towards Zero – together! 🌍💚🐾
