RESUMEN
Objective: To assess how pet owners perceive the role of veterinary medicine in addressing climate change and animal health and determine if there is a client-driven economic incentive to establish sustainable veterinary business practices. Sample: 1,044 dog and/or cat owners residing in the United States who had used veterinary services within the last 3 years. Procedures: An online Amazon mTurk survey about climate change and the perceived effects on client-owned dogs and cats was distributed to pet owners. Results: Most respondents believe climate change is occurring, and two-thirds of pet owners would value knowing their veterinarian received training on the animal health impacts of climate change. Over half of the respondents would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, clients would value some form of sustainability certification to aid in identification of such practices. Demographic influences found to be statistically significant included age, political ideology and where one resides (i.e., urban, suburban, or rural) whereas gender and income level, were not found to be significant. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Our data suggest there is an economic incentive for veterinary professionals to be knowledgeable about the health impacts of climate change and to implement and market sustainable practice initiatives. Prioritizing sustainable practice initiatives and climate change education in veterinary practices has the potential to mutually benefit both practitioner and client through shared patient health and financial incentives.
RESUMEN
Objective: To synthesize the beliefs, knowledge and interest of veterinarians on the relationship between veterinary medicine and climate change, with the intent to identify any educational gaps and opportunities. Sample: Responses from 560 U.S., and 54 non-U.S. veterinarians. Procedures: An anonymous, online survey of veterinarians was distributed through electronic media, state and professional associations, and a veterinary magazine advertisement. The survey was conducted between July 1st and December 31st of 2019. Results: Overall, veterinary respondents were confident that climate change is happening, is caused by human activities, and is impacting both human and animal health. Veterinarians also agreed that the profession should have an advocacy role in educating the public on climate change and its health impacts, particularly in clinical practices where environmental sustainability promotion can be shared with clients. Although veterinarians agreed the profession needs to be involved with climate change advocacy, most reported having had no educational opportunities within their veterinary medicine curriculum or access to continuing education on climate change. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results highlight the need for the development of educational opportunities on the topic of climate change such that veterinarians are equipped to address their concerns about current and future animal health threats.