Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Vetquity?
Vetquity is a veterinary consultancy specialising in equity, accessibility, and inclusive design across veterinary workplaces, education, and governance. We help create environments where everyone — regardless of ability, identity, or background — can belong and thrive.
2. Why does inclusion matter in veterinary medicine?
Because exclusion has consequences. When systems aren’t designed to support diversity — whether that’s disability, neurodivergence, gender or sexual identity, cultural or ethnic identity, or mental health — people burn out, drop out, or never enter the profession at all. Inclusion isn’t about box-ticking. It’s about retention, safety, innovation, and sustainability. It is not possible to have a holistic approach to workforce and mental health issues without including a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.
3. Who is Vetquity for?
Vetquity is for anyone in veterinary medicine who wants to do better — and isn’t sure where to start. That includes:
Practice managers and owners
HR and operations teams
Conference organisers and CPD providers
Boards, regulators, and peak bodies
Educators and faculty
DEI committees
Students and early-career professionals
Individuals seeking advice on navigating the profession with disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness
4. What kind of services do you offer?
We offer:
Inclusive workplace assessments
DEI training for veterinary teams
Accessibility and universal design consulting
Policy and procedure review (e.g., around accommodations or recruitment)
Strategic advice for leadership (boards. councils and accreditation bodies)
Keynotes and workshops on inclusive leadership, disclosure culture, and systemic change
Support and mentoring for professionals navigating disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness
5. How is Vetquity different from other DEI consultants?
We’re not outsiders parachuting in. We’re part of the profession — and we’ve lived the challenges we help others solve. Vetquity is led by a veterinarian with firsthand experience of ableism, burnout, and the systemic barriers that too often go ignored. We bring lived experience, deep understanding, and a practical mindset.
We understand veterinary culture from the inside out and combine practical experience with current best practice in inclusive design and practice. We are also data-driven, informed by research specific to the veterinary context.
6. We don’t know where to begin — can you help?
Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us knowing that something needs to change, but unsure of the next step. We’ll help you figure out where your organisation is at, what your people need, and how to move forward with confidence and care.
7. We’re already doing some DEI work. How can you help?
Perfect. We’re not here to reinvent the wheel — we’re here to strengthen it. We audit existing strategies, identify gaps, and support you to build momentum. Whether you need a fresh set of eyes on a policy or a complete culture change strategy, we’ll meet you where you are.
8. Do you only focus on disability inclusion?
Because 38% of Australian vets live with disability, chronic illness and neurodivergence (Australian Workforce Survey 2023-2034), this naturally means that disability and neurodivergence are our core areas of lived expertise. There’s another reason for our strong stance on disability and neurodivergence inclusion - 96% of DEI programs do not consider these at all.
However, we firmly believe that inclusion is never one-dimensional. So yes, we bring deep expertise in disability, neurodivergence, and chronic illness — but our work spans:
Gender and sexuality
Racial, cultural and linguistic diversity
Mental health and psychological safety
Intersectionality and systemic change
We take a holistic, systems-focused approach — because building truly inclusive veterinary spaces means addressing all the ways people experience marginalisation. We take a whole-of-profession approach, because real inclusion can’t be siloed.
9. Can you help our clinic become more accessible?
Yes. We conduct accessibility audits tailored for veterinary settings, looking at physical layout, communication tools, scheduling systems, sensory design, and more. We also help you build inclusive policies, train your staff, and identify easy wins and long-term goals. We’ll help you identify gaps and implement changes that support all team members and clients, not just those who disclose a diagnosis.
10. What does ‘universal design’ mean in a vet clinic?
Universal design means creating spaces, systems, and workflows that work for everyone — not just those who ask for adjustments. Think doors that open automatically, captioned video content, adjustable workstations, and flexible rostering. It’s not about special treatment. It’s about smart, inclusive design that benefits the whole team.
11. Can inclusion really benefit our business?
Yes. Inclusive workplaces are better for recruitment, retention, team morale, and client relationships. They’re also safer, more adaptable, and more sustainable in the long run. Inclusion isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a smart investment.
12. Do you run webinars or speak at conferences?
Yes. We deliver interactive sessions on inclusive practice, psychological safety, and dismantling systemic barriers in veterinary medicine. If you’re planning an event or panel, we’re always keen to collaborate.
13. Can you help us with a difficult workplace situation?
We offer confidential, trauma-informed guidance for workplaces navigating complex inclusion issues — whether it’s a breakdown in accommodations, cultural tensions, or concerns about retention and psychological safety. We’ll help you centre the affected person’s experience while guiding sustainable change.
14. What if we’ve made mistakes in the past?
Then you’re human. Vetquity isn’t about blame — it’s about building better systems. We’ll meet you where you are and help you move toward meaningful, lasting change.
15. What if we’re worried about “getting it wrong”?
You probably will — and that’s okay. Inclusion work isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, accountability, and listening. Vetquity offers a collaborative, non-judgemental approach to help you build better, more inclusive practices with confidence.
15. Do you only work in Australia?
We’re based in Australia but welcome collaborations across borders. Inclusive design and equity in veterinary medicine are global conversations, and we’re proud to be part of that dialogue.
16. How do we get started?
It’s simple. Reach out through our contact form for a no-pressure, no-judgement conversation, or to discuss your needs. Whether you’re ready to start a project or just exploring what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you.