Jeannet Kessels | Founder
Vets for Climate Action

Dr Jeannet Kessels is a creative entrepreneur and climate advocate: owner of Greater Springfield Veterinary, founding chair of Vets for Climate Action (VFCA) and creator of Groodles Australia, an incredible community enterprise which has so far raised over $700,000 for charity.  Jeannet has a strategic, fun, creative and forward-thinking approach and has created a culture that promotes individual sustainability and professional satisfaction. Her motto ‘Excellence with Heart’ is reflected across her life and work. She is driven by kindness and surrounds herself with brilliant minds. Jeannet is single-minded in her passion to bring about real change on climate, on behalf of the animals we all love and need. She advocates for the animals while modelling practical steps towards net zero emissions.   Vets for Climate Action has developed the pioneering Climate Care Program, a practical, ground-breaking sustainability and education initiative for veterinary practices across Australia and now NZ. Jeannet demonstrates her commitment through her own practice, Greater Springfield Veterinary, which also donates 1% of turnover to crucial environmental work. Her Springfield hospital is proudly Carbon Neutral.  In 2024, Jeannet spent time with World Veterinary Association (WVA) President Dr Rafael Laguens, who visited Australia specifically to better understand Jeannet’s vision for global climate action. Jeannet was then invited to present her ideas on veterinary climate action to the heads of veterinary associations from around the world, at the WVA General Assembly in South Africa; encouraging them to 'Act Local and Coordinate Global'