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CVMA Sustainable Veterinary Practice Initiative
June 20, 2025
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) launched its Sustainable Veterinary Practice Initiative (SVPI) on January 1, 2025. Under the CVMA National Issues Committee, a Sustainability Working Group was established in 2023 consisting of veterinary professionals from across veterinary practice, academia and industry. The group received support from CVMA Council to establish the initiative, including appointment of a part-time sustainability coordinator. Key collaborations have been established with organizations including the Canadian Coalition on Green Health Care and the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS). The CVMA has been working particularly closely with Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (VSA) a non-profit organization in both Canada and the USA dedicated to preserving and protecting animal health and welfare and human health through promotion of sustainability. The VSA, in active collaboration with CVMA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has produced a co-branded document and infographic titled “Pathway to a More Sustainable Clinic.” The VSA has recently worked with CVMA and CAHSS to produce a 4-part Speakers Series on sustainability and has assisted CVMA in development of a March 2025 national survey of veterinarians and veterinary students that will guide development of the SVPI. In addition, VSA will have a key role in the National Issue Forum on June 26, 2025, at the CVMA Convention in Victoria, British Columbia, on the topic of Pathway to a Sustainable Veterinary Profession. For more information on the SVPI, please contact Dr. Shane Renwick at srenwick@cvma-acmv.org.