Climate Change is Animal Health

Our research group explores the intersection of veterinary medicine and sustainability. We define sustainability as the responsible use of resources in ways that support animal, human, and environmental health—now and for generations to come. In veterinary medicine, this means providing high-quality care while minimizing harm to the ecosystems that sustain life. 

We aim to help the veterinary profession become a leader in sustainability by combining interdisciplinary research, education innovation, and collaboration across professions. Our work identifies opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint of animal care, integrate sustainability into veterinary education, and understand how environmental change affects animal health and welfare. Together, these efforts advance a more resilient and responsible future for veterinary medicine. 

Our Team 

We are a multidisciplinary group of researchers, students, and collaborators dedicated to advancing sustainability within veterinary medicine. Our expertise spans epidemiology, pathology, public health, environmental science, and clinical practice. We partner with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to ensure our research has real-world relevance and impact. 

research project

VetCAST

The Veterinary Climate Action & Sustainability Talks are stories about how the environment influences animal health. Created by an epic team of Colorado State University Veterinary students, these episodes seek to expand your knowledge and inspire you to take action to protect animal health.

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research project

The Air We Share

Wildfires and other air pollutants are a health risk for animals and people alike. We are collaborating with faculty across campus to better understand these impacts and take action so everyone can breathe a little easier.

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research project

Sustainability Advocacy in Veterinary Education (SAVE)

Animal health professionals in training and in practice are interested in learning about the animal health impacts of climate change. Our online program seeks to educate and build community around this important topic.

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Publications

Evidence linking ambient air pollution to domestic animal health outcomes: a scoping review.
Kern-Allely C, Scott D, Magzamen S, Duncan C.  J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2026 Jan 14:1-10. doi: 10.2460/javma.25.10.0666. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41534207.

Sorry, Kermit, It IS Easy Being Green: A Summer Program Model for Sustainability Education in Veterinary Research.
Duerr BM, Duncan C, Webb TL, Rulon TM, Stevenson W, Zabel M.  J Vet Med Educ. 2026 Jan 21:e20250118. doi: 10.3138/jvme-2025-0118. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41587402.

Active engagement increases client interaction with disaster preparedness resources at veterinary clinics.
Scott D, Scott J, Meindl A, Ciccolini A, Kiryluk HD, Muller AL, Duncan CG.  J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025 Dec 10:1-4. doi: 10.2460/javma.25.09.0640. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41370937.

Environmental sustainability in veterinary clinics: best practices for the United States and Canada.
Kern-Allely C, Scott D, Clow K, Duncan C.  Front Vet Sci. 2025 Dec 12;12:1690485. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1690485. PMID: 41459043; PMCID: PMC12741853.

Dog owners are concerned about ambient air quality and require veterinary guidance.
Scott D, Anderson AA, Abrams KM, Long M, Ford B, Magzamen S, Duncan CG. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025 Oct 3:1-10. doi: 10.2460/javma.25.02.0124. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41043476.

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People

Colleen Duncan headshot.
Colleen Duncan, D.V.M., Ph.D.. DACVPM, DACVP

Principal Investigator [PI]
Professor

Caroline Kern-Alleley
Caroline Kern-Allely, D.V.M.

Postdoctoral Fellow

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