The Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (VSA) has introduced the Green Paw Certification, aimed at simplifying sustainability for veterinary clinics through ten achievable actions supported by nearly 200 evidence-based recommendations. The program launched on December 1, with The Animal Clinic in Toronto becoming the first veterinary practice in North America to earn the certification.
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Veterinarian Matthew Richardson, who spearheaded the application, highlighted the importance of the certification in making sustainability accessible, stating, “It is lonely being the only one,” and encouraged other clinics to participate. The Green Paw Certification offers a structured yet flexible approach for clinics seeking to adopt sustainable practices, regardless of their size, focus, or budget. There are no deadlines imposed, allowing clinics to progress at their own pace.
The certification framework is anchored in VSA’s “Nautilus” model, focusing on Core, Clinic, and Community actions. It begins with the formation of a Green Team, comprising veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, followed by a short course on achieving a more sustainable clinic. Each clinic must then assess its current environmental impact, select five sustainability actions from at least two of five categories—energy, waste, water, procurement, and transportation—and implement them.
Once the actions are completed, clinics document their efforts and maintain connections with the wider VSA community. Upon submitting the necessary documentation and a $100 fee, VSA reviews their materials and awards the certification, which includes a digital badge and window decal, valid for two years.
The actions undertaken do not need to be extensive; they can range from small changes, such as using TerraCycle for hard-to-recycle items and eliminating single-use products, to more significant initiatives like transitioning to LED lighting. The emphasis is on manageable changes that align with the clinic's capabilities.
The Green Paw initiative is built on research published in a peer-reviewed paper, “Environmental Sustainability in Veterinary Clinics: Best Practices for the United States and Canada.” The study, conducted by members of Colorado State University and other institutions, assessed nearly 200 potential actions based on their environmental impact and implementation ease.
The certification process not only benefits the environment but can also boost team morale and serve as a recruitment tool for new graduates in the veterinary field. VSA anticipates that this certification will be the first step in a series of tiered certifications, encouraging clinics to establish sustainable practices now for future advancements. Academic veterinary hospitals can also participate, provided certification is applied at the level of an administrative unit or service, ensuring full team engagement.