The animal health industry moves fast. New treatments, diagnostic tools, nutritional research, and welfare standards are emerging constantly — and as a veterinary professional, staying current isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s essential to providing the best care possible.
But for many vets, vet nurses, and animal health specialists, ongoing professional development often slips down the to-do list. Between back-to-back consults, emergency calls, and practice admin, finding the time (and budget) for further training can feel impossible.
The good news? High-quality continuing education (CE) doesn’t have to mean taking days off work or paying for expensive conferences. A growing number of organisations now offer free, flexible online webinars and courses — many with CPD or CE credits — that fit around even the busiest schedule.
Why Ongoing Training Can Be a Challenge
Even the most dedicated professionals face barriers to keeping their skills sharp:
- Time constraints – Long, unpredictable working hours make it hard to attend in-person training.
- Geographic limitations – Not everyone can easily travel to conferences or workshops.
- Financial considerations – Conference fees, travel costs, and course enrolment charges can add up quickly.
- Information overload – With so many options online, knowing which resources are credible and relevant takes research.
Why It’s Worth Making Time
Continuing education is an investment in both your career and your patients:
- Better patient outcomes – Up-to-date knowledge means better diagnostics, treatment plans, and welfare standards.
- Career progression – CE credits and certifications can open the door to promotions, specialist roles, or new career paths.
- Professional confidence – Staying informed reduces uncertainty in clinical decision-making.
- Networking & community – Online courses and webinars often include Q&A sessions, forums, or networking opportunities with peers worldwide.
How to Make Ongoing Learning Work for You
Even with a busy schedule, you can build continuing education into your week:
- Block out short, regular sessions – 30 minutes twice a week is more sustainable than cramming hours in once a month.
- Mix learning formats – Try webinars for new developments, self-paced modules for deeper dives, and interactive case studies to apply skills.
- Set learning goals – Choose topics that align with your professional focus or areas you’d like to grow into.
- Use commute or downtime – Many webinars are available on-demand, making them perfect for listening on the go.
Where to Start: Curated Free Webinars & Courses
We’ve compiled a global list of trusted, free CE resources for veterinary professionals, including on-demand webinars, interactive online courses, and species-specific training.
These platforms cover everything from small animal medicine and large animal care to nutrition, practice management, and emerging technologies.
AAHA – Free live & on-demand CE webinars on diagnostics, treatment, and practice management AAHA
IDEXX Learning Center – Over 1,000 free courses and webinars (many RACE CE-approved) IDEXX
Purina for Professionals – Nutrition-focused webinars with CE credit; on-demand access Purina for Professionals
Merck Animal Health (PSV) – Free on-demand veterinary CE webinars across species and topics Merck Animal Health USA
Vet and Tech – Free live and recorded veterinary webinars throughout 2025, with certificates Vet and Tech
Companion Webinars – Free webinars on laser therapy, regenerative medicine, veterinary rehabilitation Companion Animal Health
VetMedTeam – RACE- and VHMA-approved free courses and webinars for all veterinary team members vetmedteam.com
LIVISTO In-Practice – Free veterinary courses and webinars with CPD certificates, in multiple languages Livisto in practice
BOVA – Free online CPD webinars for vets and nurses on current disease and regulatory topics Bova CPD Webinars
Bookmark this guide and return whenever you’re looking to sharpen your skills or when you need a quick CE hour to stay compliant.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to wait for a conference to take your knowledge to the next level. Free online resources mean you can learn on your own terms, without disrupting your work schedule.
Taking the time, even in small, regular doses, to engage in continuing education is one of the best ways to enhance patient care, protect your professional standing, and keep your career moving forward.
Make a plan. Pick a resource. And start learning - your future patients (and your future self) will thank you.