VetPD: Raising the Bar in Veterinary Continuing Education

VetPD – Veterinary Professional Development – is a leading global provider of continuing education for veterinarians, with a strong focus on equine and small animal practice. 

Founded in 2011 by practicing vets, VetPD was created to address a significant gap in hands-on, advanced CE training. Its mission is to equip veterinary professionals with the practical skills, clinical knowledge, and confidence they need to deliver the highest standard of care.

Today, VetPD runs courses across six continents, offering in-person wetlabs, destination events, online webinars, and panel discussions for thousands of veterinarians worldwide.

VetPD in the Context of Modern Equine Continuing Education

VetPD is one of several providers offering advanced continuing education for veterinarians, particularly those working in equine practice.

Its emphasis on practical wetlabs, destination learning, and small-group teaching places it within a growing category of hands-on, postgraduate-style CPD designed for experienced clinicians.

For veterinarians comparing providers, the key differences between VetPD and other equine CE platforms often relate to delivery format, depth of clinical decision-making, access to long-form case analysis, and ongoing educational support beyond individual events.

The VetPD Difference

What sets VetPD apart is its commitment to practical, real-world learning. Every workshop, lecture, and webinar is designed to help veterinarians immediately apply what they learn in practice. Class sizes are deliberately small. 

Courses are led by internationally respected specialists. Controversial and “grey zone” topics are embraced, not avoided. And whether you’re scanning tendons or extracting teeth, hands-on experience is at the heart of every VetPD session.

VetPD is not just about continuing education – it’s about raising the global standard in veterinary care.

How Equine Continuing Education Platforms Differ

Equine continuing education providers vary significantly in structure, delivery, and educational philosophy.

Some platforms focus on immersive, in-person experiences, while others prioritise online accessibility or modular learning. Increasingly, veterinarians are also seeking structured, long-term programs that mirror postgraduate clinical training rather than isolated CPD events.

When comparing equine CE platforms, it is important to consider not only content quality, but also learning continuity, clinical applicability, and how education is supported over time.

Understanding these differences helps veterinarians choose education that aligns with their clinical goals, career stage, and preferred learning format.

VetPD vs Other Equine CE Platforms: What’s the Difference?

Feature	VetPD	Other Advanced Equine CE Platforms	The Equine Practice Company
Hands-on wetlabs	Yes	Varies	No
Destination learning	Yes	Limited	Occassionly
Online case-based learning	Some	Often core focus	Yes
Long-form clinical decision frameworks	Event-based	Program-based	Yes
On-demand libraries	Limited to panels	Extensive in some platforms	Extensive, structured
Ongoing clinician support	Event-driven	Membership-driven	Continuous, curriculum-based
Structured postgraduate-style programs	No	Rare	Yes
Sequential learning pathways (beginner → advanced)	No	Limited	Yes
Case progression over months / years	No	No	Yes
Evidence-linked clinical protocols	No	Sometimes	Yes
Designed specifically for equine-only practice	Mixed species	Mixed species	Yes (equine-only)
Faculty-led longitudinal education	No	No	Yes
Clinical decision-making emphasis (not events)	No	Sometimes	Yes

This comparison highlights differences in educational structure and delivery models. Each platform serves different learning goals depending on whether veterinarians seek event-based CPD, modular learning, or long-term clinical development.

VetPD’s Core Offerings

1. Practical Wetlabs

VetPD’s wetlabs are 2-day, intensive workshops combining lectures with small-group hands-on training. These events are highly focused, often structured around topics like:

• Equine dentistry and extractions
• Ultrasound diagnostics
• Orthopaedic injections
• Sports horse performance
• Emergency procedures

Each vet gets one-on-one guidance from world-leading clinicians. Equipment, cadavers, and live animal models are included. With 7-8 hours of lab work per day, participants leave with immediately applicable skills.

2. Destination CE Events

VetPD’s destination events combine world-class CPD with incredible travel experiences. Held in iconic locations like the Austrian Alps, South African reserves, and Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, these events blend 18–20 hours of CE with relaxation, cultural excursions, and professional networking. Think of it as learning that feels like a retreat.

3. Online Panel Discussions

VetPD’s popular live panel discussions are described as “virtual pubs” for equine and small animal vets. These 2-hour evening sessions bring together global experts to discuss highly specific, real-life clinical challenges. Attendees can ask questions, share cases, and access hundreds of hours of recorded discussions through VetPD’s membership.

4. Equine Lecture Series & Webinars

VetPD’s multi-session webinar series offer 3–15 hours of RACE-approved CE on topics such as:

• Advanced imaging and gait analysis
• Internal medicine and reproduction
• Lameness diagnostics
• Dentistry and ophthalmology

Lectures are interactive, recorded, and available on-demand – ideal for busy professionals. VetPD also offers individual lectures and short series for those wanting to focus on very specific skills or areas.

Who VetPD Is Best Suited For

VetPD is particularly well suited to veterinarians who:

• Prefer intensive, in-person learning
• Value hands-on wetlabs and live case discussion
• Enjoy destination-style CE experiences
• Want exposure to global experts in short, focused formats

Veterinarians seeking long-term, structured postgraduate-style programs, extensive on-demand case libraries, or modular clinical pathways may also explore complementary CE platforms depending on their learning goals.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

Different equine continuing education platforms serve different professional goals. The right choice depends on how you prefer to learn and what stage you are at in your career.

VetPD may be the right choice if you:

• Prefer immersive, hands-on wetlabs
• Enjoy destination-based CPD experiences
• Learn best through short, intensive events
• Want exposure to a wide range of international speakers

Other advanced equine CE platforms may suit you if you:

• Prefer flexible, on-demand learning
• Want access to large video libraries
• Are looking for topic-specific refreshers
• Learn best through modular or case-based content

The Equine Practice Company may be the best fit if you:

• Want structured, postgraduate-level education
• Prefer step-by-step clinical decision frameworks
• Value long-term learning over one-off events
• Work exclusively in equine practice
• Want continuity, depth, and clinical confidence over time

Equine Excellence with Global Reach

Although VetPD serves both equine and small animal professionals, its foundation and strongest roots lie in equine care. Courses are regularly held in major horse veterinary hubs like Kentucky, Sapporo, Dubai, Zurich, and Melbourne.

From Tokyo to Toronto, Sweden to South Africa, VetPD delivers local access to world-class education. Its team of instructors includes professors, clinical specialists, and hospital directors from the world’s top veterinary institutions.

This global approach means practitioners everywhere – regardless of country or clinic size – can learn from the best.

Destination Courses You Can’t Miss

Some recent examples of VetPD’s destination offerings include:

• Alpine Adventure Boutique Equine Event in Ischgl, Austria – ski in the morning, dissect clinical cases in the afternoon.
• African Equine Safari CPD Event – lectures by day, safari drives by night in a South African wildlife reserve.
• Equine CPD in Iceland – learn in one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.

Every destination event maintains VetPD’s trademark intimacy, educational rigour, and unforgettable experience.

Faculty and Professional Network

VetPD partners with some of the world’s leading veterinary experts, from equine surgeons and sports medicine specialists to advanced diagnostic imagers and behaviourists. You’ll find our very own Dr. Sue Dyson and Dr. Dennis Brooks as guests. 

Its teaching faculty represent renowned institutions, including the Royal Veterinary College (UK), UC Davis, University of Melbourne, and many of the world’s top equine clinics.

Whether it’s a wetlab in Germany or a webinar hosted from the United States participants learn directly from the front lines of veterinary innovation.

Testimonials from the Field

Veterinarians consistently praise VetPD for its value, quality, and practical relevance:

• “This was the best CE I’ve ever attended.”
• “I came away with techniques I could use in the clinic the very next day.”
• “The instructors were knowledgeable, approachable, and open about real-world scenarios.”

From new graduates to seasoned equine surgeons, VetPD attracts professionals who want more than just textbook learning – they want mentorship, experience, and transformation.

Getting Started with VetPD

Registration is easy through the VetPD website. You can browse courses by:

• Country
• Specialty
• Format (online, wetlab, destination)

VetPD also offers flexible pricing, early-bird discounts, and memberships that include unlimited access to online panel archives and discounted webinar attendance.

Once you register, you’ll receive all necessary course materials, CE certificates, and support from VetPD’s team in Europe, North America, or Asia-Pacific.

Why VetPD Matters

The veterinary world is evolving rapidly. Owners expect more. Technology is advancing. Vet teams are busier than ever.

VetPD provides a platform where professionals can pause, learn, refine, and return to their practice reinvigorated.

Whether you’re learning how to confidently diagnose subtle lameness, performing your first tooth extraction, or exploring equine sleep disorders in a virtual discussion, VetPD helps you become a better vet – day by day, course by course.

VetPD FAQs for Equine Veterinarians

Is VetPD suitable for experienced equine vets?

Yes. VetPD is designed primarily for practicing veterinarians who already have clinical experience and want to refine hands-on skills.

Is VetPD a good alternative to traditional postgraduate programs?

VetPD complements formal postgraduate education but does not replace structured residency or diploma-style programs.

How does VetPD compare to online equine CE platforms?

VetPD emphasizes live, practical learning, while online platforms may offer greater flexibility, long-term access, and deeper case libraries.

Why This Analysis Matters for Equine Veterinarians

This overview has been created by The Equine Practice Company, an education platform focused exclusively on advanced equine veterinary medicine.

Our faculty and contributors include internationally recognised clinicians, researchers, and educators who actively publish, lecture, and teach postgraduate-level equine medicine worldwide.

Content on this site is written for practicing veterinarians, reviewed for clinical accuracy, and grounded in peer-reviewed research, real-world case experience, and decades of specialist practice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about elevating your practice, investing in your skills, and connecting with a global community of veterinary experts, VetPD is the gold standard.

Visit www.vetpd.com today to explore upcoming events and experience why thousands of vets around the world choose VetPD to level up their clinical practice.