Tackling Anaesthetic Gas Emissions in Veterinary Healthcare, One Breath at a Time

By Hannah Dale, Marketing & Communication Associate, SageTech Veterinary

When we think of climate change, veterinary clinics don't usually top the list of culprits. But there's an invisible contributor hiding in plain sight: anaesthetic gases. These essential agents, used daily in animal surgery and treatment, come with a surprising environmental cost.

The Hidden Carbon Footprint of Anaesthetic Gases

Anaesthetic gases like isoflurane and sevoflurane are widely used in veterinary and human healthcare. While vital for patient care, these gases are also potent greenhouse gases (GHGs)—with global warming potentials (GWPs) hundreds or even thousands of times higher than CO₂.

Each year, over 4 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions are released from volatile anaesthetic agents. In veterinary settings, these gases can account for up to 20% of a practice's total Scope 1 and 2 emissions—a significant proportion for any clinic aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.

A Veterinary-Specific Sustainability Challenge

Veterinary anaesthesia is non-negotiable—used for everything from neutering and dental work to complex surgeries. This daily reliance creates a blind spot for practices looking to improve sustainability. Without addressing anaesthetic gas emissions, clinics may find themselves falling short of their environmental goals.

An Innovative Circular Solution

SageTech Veterinary has created a pioneering response: a waste anaesthetic gas capture and recycling system designed specifically for veterinary use. The VET-Dock device seamlessly integrates into existing setups to capture exhaled gases before they're released into the atmosphere.

These gases are stored in VET-Cans—engineered filters that adsorb and hold volatile compounds. Once full, the cans are collected, returned to SageTech, and the gases are purified and reused, reducing the need for new gas production. This circular economy approach cuts emissions, supports sustainability, and ensures continuity of care.

“When I first learnt of the environmental impact of waste volatile anaesthetic agents, I was shocked that my clinical use of these agents had been a significant part of my own carbon footprint. It was a desire to reduce this impact for the veterinary profession that led me to help develop this technology with the team at SageTech. With the technology now available, I believe the veterinary profession can demonstrate its responsibility by preventing these direct emissions.”
— Dr Matt Gopal, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, SageTech Veterinary

Partnering for Scale: Distribution Through UK Wholesalers

To maximise reach and minimise environmental impact, SageTech Veterinary has partnered with leading UK veterinary wholesalers: Covetrus, MWI, and NVS. By using existing delivery routes to distribute and collect VET-Cans, this collaboration avoids adding to transport emissions and simplifies the process for clinics.

These wholesalers are recognised leaders in sustainable logistics—and by supporting the adoption of this technology, they're helping raise the bar for environmental standards across the veterinary sector.

More Than Carbon: Clinical and Environmental Benefits

SageTech's system offers more than just carbon savings. By recycling waste anaesthetic gases:

  • It reduces demand for newly manufactured volatile agents
  • Enhances indoor air quality, improving working conditions for veterinary staff
  • Helps practices align with ESG goals and environmental certifications

This solution complements wider sustainability efforts in both veterinary and human healthcare. For instance, the UK's NHS is already phasing out desflurane, and new EU F-gas regulations are tightening emissions controls.

Tried, Tested, and Ready to Scale

SageTech Veterinary's technology has already been successfully deployed in practices across the UK. Its modular design suits clinics of all sizes, and with full training and technical support available, implementation is disruption-free.

“Whilst this is a largely unknown and significant carbon footprint for practices, the good news is that it can be addressed simply and with no burden on clinical practice or operations. At SageTech Veterinary we are very proud of what we have developed to reduce the impact of pet care without affecting the good work done day in day out in clinics across the country.

Working with the team at our National Wholesalers has been excellent and it is great to be working in partnership to help clinics in their journey reducing their impact on climate change.”

 — Dr Iain Menneer, CEO, SageTech Veterinary

A Healthier Future for Pets and the Planet

Anaesthetic gases may be invisible, but their climate impact is not. Thanks to SageTech Veterinary's circular approach, practices can take meaningful steps to cut emissions, protect clinical staff, and contribute to a healthier planet—without compromising animal welfare.

At Samaxia, we're proud to support and spotlight innovations like this—offering real solutions to real environmental