Vets for Climate Action

Australians love and need our pets, wildlife and livestock. And we know that climate change threatens their health and welfare.

Climate change is an animal health and welfare issue. Animals hold no responsibility for the causes of climate change, yet they feel the consequences most strongly. Approximately 3 billion animals were killed or displaced by the 2019-20 bushfires, hundreds of thousands more were killed by floods, and domestic pets suffer from heat stress each summer. Veterinary professionals and animal carers are on the frontline experiencing the impacts first hand.

Vets also carry deep responsibility for Australia’s biosecurity and food production, with livestock contributing $20.4b to our economy. One Health, where human and animal health needs intersect, is of increasing importance, with shared diseases (such as Japanese Encephalitis) spreading rapidly, facilitated by climate change. Vets, vet nurses and the animal care community have a responsibility to use their knowledge, skills and influence to protect animals – and the people who care for them – from climate change.

While climate change continues to pose a significant threat to animal health, welfare, production and biodiversity, the good news is we CAN halt catastrophic climate change. That’s why we’re here … and that’s why we need your support.

Our Vision

A world where animals and people are thriving in a healthy climate.

Our Purpose

We lead with those who love, care for and work with animals to achieve urgent action on climate change.

Our Mission

We mobilise the veterinary profession and broader animal care community to tackle the climate crisis within and beyond our sector.

We have a strong member base and passionate volunteers who:

• train people within our industry to become advocates for action
• set up Community Impact Groups to help create champions
• come together to call for a future where animals thrive.

We support policies to protect all animals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by:

• bringing about a shift to 100% renewable energy
• stopping new polluting fossil fuel projects
• improving forest management and agriculture to be climate positive.

We are the voice for all Australian animals. We invite you to become a champion in your community and strengthen that voice.

Learn more….

Why We Care  |  Our People  |  Volunteer Led  |  Our Vision  |  Our Story

Resources

Visit the VfCA website to find a range of relevant and up-to-date resources including articles, summaries and fact sheets to help you care for animals in the changing climate. This includes the downloadable pdf resource: Climate Facts For Vets and resources for companion animals, livestock and wildlife.

Climate Care Program

Helping vet teams take the lead on environmental sustainability… Launching NOW!

The Climate Care Program by Vets for Climate Action is empowering vet teams to take the lead on environmental sustainability and help bring a halt to climate change.

Created by vets and vet nurses for veterinary teams, the Climate Care Program is designed to be realistic and workable in a busy veterinary practice.

How to get involved…

Register your interest to receive information about the Climate Care Program launch!

Click HERE to register your interest in the Climate Care Program for your veterinary clinic