At Mayne Vets, we’re passionate not only about animal health but also about the health of our planet. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are always exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact—within the practice and in the wider veterinary profession.
In June, our Practice Manager Keith attended the Webinar Vet’s Veterinary Green Discussion Forum, a fantastic event focused on the latest thinking, innovations, and challenges around sustainability in veterinary medicine.
🔬 Spotlight on Parasiticides
One of the key topics at the conference was the environmental impact of parasiticides (products used to control fleas, ticks, and worms). This is a hot topic in the veterinary world, as emerging concerns suggest that certain parasiticides used in these treatments harms wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Check out our Pet Owner Sustainability Series – Part One for more information!
While the research is still developing, there’s a growing conversation about how we, as a profession, can adapt. We’re proud to be part of that discussion—and we’re actively exploring ways we can evolve our clinic.
Coming Soon: a reimagined Pet Health Club
We’re looking at the possibility of a introducing a new option for our Pet Health Club, where the need for preventative treatments is discussed on a case-by-case basis with your vet, balancing the health and risks of your pet and household with environmental concerns and discussing testing options as an alternative. Watch this space! You can read more about related topics, including disease risks, in a previous newsletter article.
💊 Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance
Another focus of the conference was responsible antibiotic use. At our clinic, we’re already committed to the principles of responsible prescribing, and we are going to be stepping up our efforts even more.
We’re encouraging pet owners to return any unused or expired medications to us—so they can be safely incinerated and not end up in landfill or water systems, where they can contribute to environmental contamination and antimicrobial resistance. We are planning on running an antibiotic amnesty end of the year, so keep an eye out on our social media pages. In the meantime, if you have any medication at home, please do bring it in to the practice for us to safely and responsibly dispose of.
🌎 Every Step Counts
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination—and we’re learning more every day. We’ll continue to share updates as we implement new practices and explore innovative solutions that benefit pets, people, and the planet.
If you have questions about any of the topics mentioned—or want to know more about how your pet’s care can be more eco-conscious—our team is always happy to chat. Drop us an email to reception@maynevets.co.uk or Whatsapp us on 07360541569.