How We Care for Our Communities
Colleagues Giving Back
Protecting Pets and Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands
Nicole Roecker, Territory Account Business Manager at Zoetis, combined her love for animals and travel by volunteering in the Galapagos Islands with World Vets, an international veterinary aid organization dedicated to bringing veterinary services to underserved areas of the world.
In the Galapagos Islands, World Vets operates a full-service veterinary clinic on San Cristobal. As non-native species, pets like cats and dogs pose a risk to the many endangered species living on the islands such as the giant tortoise and the marine iguana. Spay and neuter campaigns in the Galapagos help encourage responsible pet ownership and protect the delicate ecosystem.
During her three-day trip, Nicole and a team of volunteers provided medical care, including spaying/neutering animals, treating injuries, and supporting the community. “One of the reasons I got into the animal health industry is that I like to help those who don't have a voice," said Nicole. Zoetis' support for volunteering allows colleagues to pursue their passions while giving back to local communities.
Cultivating a Greener Future at Willowwood Arboretum
The Zoetis Petcare Brand Marketing Team recently volunteered at Willowwood Arboretum in Chester Township, New Jersey. Willowwood, set on 130 acres of farmland, is an important public park, community meeting place and event venue that relies heavily on volunteers to maintain the gardens and meadows year-round. Despite rain and muddy conditions, Zoetis colleagues planted over 400 perennials and other plants within the park.
“It was rewarding for the team to give back to the community using volunteer time off as well as spend the day getting to know colleagues in a different light. Our managers were very supportive of the team utilizing this benefit," said Brittany Bewalder, Lead, Core Brands at Zoetis. Zoetis' volunteer time off policy provides colleagues with teambuilding opportunities while supporting local communities.
Empowering Veterinary Technicians During National Vet Tech Week
Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has been celebrated annually during the third week of October to honor the vital role of veterinary technicians. In 2023, the Kansas City Zoetis Petcare team supported clinics and hospitals in acknowledging their technicians.
The Zoetis team emphasized well-being by highlighting Project WAG (Wellbeing and Growth), a Zoetis initiative to support veterinary professionals' mental health. They put together over 160 WAG Bags, which contained self-care items, resources about Project WAG and contact details for Not One More Vet (NOMV), a non-profit organization that supports veterinary professionals’ mental health.
This initiative recognized the importance of vet techs and underscored Zoetis' commitment to customer satisfaction.
Community Impact Efforts
Improving Access to Care Across the United States
Zoetis and Adopt a Pet (AAP) have announced an exclusive partnership, investing nearly $1 million annually to improve access to care for shelter pets and deliver vital educational resources for pet parents and veterinary healthcare teams nationwide.
As two of the leading names in the pet care industry in the U.S., this partnership will guarantee that new pet adopters, shelters and veterinarians are able to provide rescued animals with what they need and ensure they have access to the best care including regular check-ups, vaccines, flea and tick preventatives and more.
With over 223,000 pet adoptions facilitated over the last 20 years, AAP built a vast network of more than 17,000 animal shelters and rescues, all serving families and homeless pets in local communities. Zoetis knows that nurturing a healthy bond between humans and their pets and advancing animal care has a positive ripple effect throughout the communities in which adopted pets and their families live. This partnership will support communities through product grant programs and educational resources for shelter staff and pet owners. To learn more, visit https://www.zoetispetcare.com/adopt-a-pet.
Historic Rabies Vaccination Day in Indonesia
On October 7, 2023, Zoetis, in collaboration with Royal Canin Indonesia, vaccinated cats and dogs against rabies through commercial clinics and government animal health centers in Indonesia's largest mass vaccination day.
Zoetis, as an approved vaccine supplier to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Rabies Vaccine Bank until 2025, played a crucial role in this initiative. Recognized by the Indonesian Museum Record (MURI) as the country's largest mass vaccination day, an official event at the MURI celebrated this achievement.
Zoetis is proud to help combat this disease and get closer to the World Organisation for Animal Health's goal of eliminating human deaths from rabies by 2030.
Partnering with American Humane on Disaster Preparedness
Zoetis, in collaboration with American Humane, organized a disaster preparedness and pet wellness clinic on June 17, 2023, in DeSoto County, Florida, an area heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The event provided cats and dogs with free wellness exams, flea and tick prevention, and vaccines.
Pet owners received disaster preparedness kits, including supplies and 3-months of Simparica Trio®. DeSoto County is a low-income community with limited access to medical care that greatly benefited from the clinic's services. The event addressed the community's immediate needs by supporting local families and their pets.
The success of the event was attributed to the volunteers, including Zoetis veterinary customers and the local Petcare team.
Providing Aid for Animal Relief Efforts in Morocco
Following the recent devastating earthquake in Morocco, Zoetis has been actively supporting animal rescue efforts in the Atlas region. Zoetis contributed in-kind products to the National Veterinary College of Morocco to support families and animals who’ve been impacted by the earthquake. Specifically, to support local equine populations, Zoetis provided product care packages including parasiticides, antibiotics, ointments, and other supplies that will assist veterinarians and volunteers with rescues.
Thanks to quick action and support from Dr. Mehdi Cherquaoui, Zoetis' Business Leader for West Africa, Zoetis worked closely with distributors to make sure veterinarians and farmers were supported despite challenging circumstances and the heavy impact on animals following the earthquake.
Furthermore, the Zoetis Foundation extended its matching gifts program internationally, partnering with the American Red Cross. A microsite was set up to match up to $50,000 of colleague donations, supporting the organization’s disaster relief efforts.