Pain is among the most significant welfare challenges in veterinary practice, yet it has historically received inconsistent attention and training. Zero Pain Philosophy was founded to change this — with a clear mission and a growing global community dedicated to ensuring that no veterinary patient suffers unnecessary pain.

A Mission Rooted in Clinical Need

The journey of Zero Pain Philosophy began in 2016, when veterinarians Dr Matthew Gurney, Dr Carl Bradbrook, and their colleague Brent recognised a critical gap in veterinary education: although pain management is a daily reality for clinicians, many practitioners lacked confidence and up-to-date knowledge in this essential area of care.

Driven by the belief that better pain management benefits not only patients but also pet caregivers, clinical teams, and veterinary practices as a whole, the founders set out to create accessible, practical, and evidence-based resources tailored specifically to veterinary professionals.

Early Innovations: From Videos to Webinars

The initiative began with something simple yet impactful — instructional nerve block videos designed to help clinicians learn and implement effective analgesic techniques in practice. These early videos were created with the understanding that veterinary professionals are time-poor and need clear, practical content they can quickly apply.

As engagement grew, the Zero Pain Philosophy team expanded their offerings to include pain updates — concise summaries and insights drawn from the latest research and clinical literature, designed to make complex science easier to understand and use.

Soon after, interactive webinars became a core component of the educational suite. Built to support professional development and reflective of global clinical trends, these sessions allow practitioners to deepen their understanding of pain mechanisms, analgesic strategies, and clinical decision-making.

Evolving Into a Comprehensive Veterinary Resource

Today, Zero Pain Philosophy provides a diverse range of high-quality educational content for veterinary professionals worldwide. This includes webinars and recorded courses, blogs and pain updates, podcasts, and other resources that support continual learning in pain assessment and management.

Beyond educational content, the organisation also offers telemedicine support to provide individual case assistance and guidance. Additionally, veterinary practices can apply for Zero Pain Practice accreditation — a credential that recognises teams committed to excellence in analgesia and compassionate patient care.

Leadership From Pain Specialists

Zero Pain Philosophy is led by respected veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia specialists who bring both academic depth and practical experience to the mission. Dr Matthew Gurney — an internationally recognised anaesthetist and pain expert — lectures globally and contributes extensively to veterinary literature. Dr Carl Bradbrook, a co-founder and experienced clinician, emphasises the central role of pain control in animal welfare and supports practices in upskilling their analgesic care.

Their combined expertise underpins the integrity of the organisation’s educational offerings, while their commitment to accessible learning continues to fuel community growth.

A Global Community United by a Common Goal

Since its inception, the Zero Pain Philosophy community has grown to include over ten thousand members worldwide — from clinicians seeking to improve their confidence in pain management to veterinary teams committed to advancing welfare standards in their clinics.

This global movement reflects a shared dedication: veterinary pain care should not be an afterthought, and pain-free practice ought to be a universal goal.

Continuing the Commitment

Pain management continues to evolve as a clinical discipline, and Zero Pain Philosophy remains at the forefront of translating research into practical, real-world tools for veterinary teams. Through ongoing education, practice support, and community engagement, the organisation is driving meaningful improvements in how pain is understood, assessed, and treated in animal patients worldwide.