Following the launch of its Positive Pawprint sustainability strategy two years ago, IVC Evidensia has now unveiled its Positive Hoofprint toolkits to support farm and equine practices to make positive changes in their communities.

The launch of the toolkits means that every one of IVC Evidensia’s practices across the UK now has a sustainability framework available to them to action locally that benefits patients, people and the planet. 

Similar toolkits have been available to small animal practices since 2022, and likewise, the Positive Hoofprint toolkits have been developed with colleagues in farm and equine practices to take into account the ways in which they work and the needs of the communities they serve.

For example, the farm toolkit recognises the position veterinary teams have as advisors to the farming community and the role they play in sustainable food production. 

It encourages training in farm animal-specific first aid, provides guidance on supporting the agricultural community with mental health concerns, ensures training in stress-free handling and focuses on providing help to farmers on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their herds and practising responsible antimicrobial stewardship. 

Meanwhile, the equine toolkit asks teams to look at how they engage with animal welfare charities and pony clubs, and the guidance they offer on the use of anthelmintics.

Practices that sign up to take part will each receive a grant of up to £300 to implement sustainability measures. Those that meet the core standards of the Positive Hoofprint toolkit will become Positive Hoofprint Partners.

Sarah Heath, Group Director of Sustainability at IVC Evidensia, said: “The Positive Hoofprint toolkits have been our ambition ever since we launched our sustainability strategy. They focus on the different ways our farm and equine practice teams can support real change both in terms of the company’s wider goals but also more locally in their communities.

“The toolkits have been developed in partnership with farm and equine colleagues and focus on the biggest challenges that face clinicians, farmers and owners. We’re thrilled to be able to launch them in the UK and bring our first practices onboard.”

More information about IVC Evidensia’s sustainability strategy can be found in its Positive Pawprint annual report here.