Caring in Action: What Zoetis’ 2024 Sustainability Progress Tells Us About the Future of Animal Health
Key reflections on Zoetis’ [just released] corporate sustainability 2024 report and their bold vision to unite animal health, climate action, and community care.
In an era where headlines are dominated by climate extremes, food insecurity, and public health concerns, it’s easy to overlook a quiet revolution happening in animal health. But Zoetis—one of the world’s leading animal health companies—is quietly and steadily changing that narrative.
Their newly released
2024 Sustainability Progress Update is more than a performance report. It’s a roadmap for what it means to lead with science, purpose, and compassion.
Communities: People First, Always
Over 20,000 volunteer hours. That’s not a small number—it’s a 23% increase year-over-year. Whether supporting disaster relief, hosting beach cleanups, or helping at animal shelters, Zoetis colleagues are walking the talk.
The Zoetis Foundation is also scaling its impact. With $11.3 million in grants this year alone, it’s not only investing in veterinary education (nearly 500 scholarships!) but also backing organizations like Not One More Vet and The Nature Conservancy.
Big question: Could other major players in animal health adopt similar philanthropy-driven models? And how can we measure the long-term ripple effects of these community investments?
Animals: Innovating at the Intersection of Health and Sustainability
Zoetis is championing a One Health approach—emphasizing that animal, human, and environmental health are deeply connected. Its innovations in 2024 reflect this holistic mindset:
A.L.P.H.A. Plus initiative trained over 75,000 people and treated hundreds of millions of livestock in Sub-Saharan Africa.
New vaccines target avian influenza (HPAI), protecting both poultry industries and endangered bird species in New Zealand.
Strategic partnerships with Danone and AgNext aim to reimagine dairy and cattle genetics through the lens of sustainability.
Launch of tools like Vetscan™ OptiCell, bringing AI-powered diagnostics into vet clinics.
With such rapid advancements in animal genetics and diagnostics, how do we ensure equitable access for smallholder farmers globally?
Planet: Rethinking Everything, from Energy to Packaging
Zoetis is making real progress on climate goals:
36% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2021
80% of global electricity from renewable sources
Sustainable packaging rolled out across key product lines
A shift from air to sea freight in Europe to lower emissions
And it’s not just about “offsetting.” Their on-site solar in Australia and internal carbon pricing show a deeper level of commitment.
Culture: Investing in the People Who Make It All Happen
What’s behind all this progress? A workforce deeply engaged in the mission. With an 86% employee engagement rate, new coaching programs, inclusive resource groups, and safety initiatives modeled on OSHA’s best practices, Zoetis is investing heavily in its people.
And it’s paying off—with recognitions that position Zoetis as a top employer in the animal health space.
Could This Be a Model for the Future?
Zoetis isn’t perfect—no company is—but its sustainability strategy, Driven to Care, is one of the most robust, actionable, and interwoven with day-to-day operations we’ve seen in animal health. From disaster relief to antimicrobial stewardship, its actions seem to echo its words.
It leaves us wondering:
How might other animal health companies step up their transparency?
Could a shared sustainability framework emerge across the veterinary industry?
And what role will consumers, farmers, and pet parents play in pushing for more accountability?
Want to dig deeper? You can read the full Zoetis 2024 Sustainability Progress Update here.