Honoring World Mental Health Day

Supporting our customers means addressing issues that matter to them both professionally and personally. At the center of animal care, it’s critical we support veterinarians in a fulfilling, well-balanced profession with a strong talent pipeline.  

Working in the veterinary profession can be meaningful and rewarding, full of both opportunities and challenges. However, compassion fatigue and increased debt, among other factors, can lead to mental health challenges, including a higher risk of suicide among veterinarians than many other professions. The Zoetis Foundation’s focus on well-being emphasizes the importance of mental health for veterinary healthcare teams. 

This World Mental Health Day, we recognize the dedication and crucial work of three Zoetis Foundation grantees. Each is addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals, helping to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce: 

Not One More Vet 

In the United States, in its second year of grant funding, Not One More Vet (NOMV)’s Outreach Program provides outreach services to veterinary professionals to improve mental health and support those in crisis through direct fiscal support and referral services. This includes microgrants of up to $1,000 for expenses such as therapy, medical bills, and living expenses. 

Additionally, grant funding to NOMV’s Veterinary Mental Health Support program provides veterinary mental health and well-being support through evidence-based, culturally competent, and multi-level health services. It provides free, confidential mental health services tailored to the experiences of veterinarians and veterinary staff.  

In Australia, the Zoetis Foundation has provided a second year of grant funding to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)’s “Cultivating Safe Teams” program. The program offers free mental wellness and psychosocial safety training to veterinary practices across the country. The initiative helps boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve team retention and well-being.   

Now in its second year, grant funding to Vetlife enhances and sustains the Vetlife Outreach program, including a helpline, online mental health resources and advisory services. In addition, Vetlife trains representatives and ambassadors to expand the program’s reach and impact across Europe and the U.K. 

World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of mental health in veterinary medicine. By supporting these organizations, the Zoetis Foundation reinforces its commitment to the well-being of veterinary healthcare teams, helping ensure a thriving and sustainable profession. To learn more about Zoetis Foundation’s well-being grantees, click here.