SUSTAINABILITY

The veterinary profession is closely involved with many sectors that have a direct impact on the environment. Food, farming and antimicrobial resistance are topical areas in current conversations around sustainability.

Vets work to champion and safeguard animal health and welfare and undertake varied roles across a wide range of animal species. Their expertise enables them to gain a unique insight into the damaging effects that our changing planet is having on animals.

As a health-centred profession, and key player in the One Health Agenda, vets recognise the interconnections between human wellbeing, animal wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the environment. Vets are one of the most trusted professions in the UK and their opinion matters.

Real Vets aims to be as sustainable as possible. In line with the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle principles we continue to work towards reducing the amount of waste created, making better use of resources, and reducing the negative impact on the environment.

There is no better time to start getting involved

Exploring the outdoors with your dog is one of the best ways to bond and stay active together.

Whether it’s a hike through the woods, a stroll on the beach, or a romp at the park, these adventures allow your dog to satisfy their natural curiosity while you both soak in the beauty of nature.

It’s important to care for these spaces so they remain beautiful for years to come. Always clean up after your pet, stay on designated paths, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, be aware when your dog needs to be on a lead and always respect local wildlife.

By being mindful of the environment, you’re not only protecting these natural spaces but also ensuring that you and your furry friend can continue to enjoy them for many adventures to come.

  • We recycle as much as possible:

    • paper

    • cardboard

    • plastics

    • aluminium

    • fabric

    • batteries

    • small electricals

    Our main supplier, NVS, collect their own packaging from our practice and recycle it

    We use:

    • recycled bin liners for general waste

    • recyclable paper bags and boxes for prescription medications

    • biodegradable dog poo bags

    • recyclable PPE and send this for recycling

    • recycled printer paper

    • rechargeable batteries where possible

    • environmentally friendly washing up liquid in staff areas, this reduces our single use plastic waste as it comes in a 5L container

    • electronic communication methods to communicate within our team and with our clients, where possible, to reduce paper use

  • Grass is left to grow, where possible, to provide a suitable habitat for small insects and pollinators

  • We predominantly use systemic anthelmintics, reducing our use of, and therefore, the environmental impact of spot on anthelmintic chemicals

    We practice responsible antimicrobial stewardship

    We avoid drug wastage through good stocking principles

    We dispose of drugs correctly to avoid ecotoxicity

  • Our Beechwood practice has air source heat pumps

    Air source heat pumps will be installed at our Low Waters practice in the near future

    We turn off electronic equipment, where possible, at the end of each day

    Cycle to work scheme available for our team

    We use outdoor and indoor airers to air dry laundry

Register with us today

We look forward to getting to know you and your pet!