A Lifeline for Healers: Purina Tackles Veterinary Mental Health Crisis

ST. LOUIS, MO – January 20, 2026 – In a move that addresses a long-simmering crisis within the animal care community, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary has announced a significant partnership with the Veterinary Hope Foundation (Vet Hope), a non-profit dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of veterinary professionals. The collaboration, part of Purina's broader Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission, aims to directly combat the high rates of burnout, fatigue, and emotional distress that have become pervasive in the profession.

The initiative will significantly expand the availability of Vet Hope's professionally-led peer support groups, providing a much-needed resource for the individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for pets.

The Silent Epidemic in Animal Care

For nearly a decade, studies have illuminated the profound mental health challenges facing the veterinary profession. While awareness has grown, the toll remains severe. Recent data reveals a stark reality: an overwhelming 92% of veterinarians report experiencing fatigue, while only 30% feel they possess effective strategies for coping with the immense stress of their jobs. The desire for help is strong, with 60% of vets indicating that mental health resources are highly desirable for their practices.

The sources of this strain are multifaceted. Veterinarians navigate long hours, high educational debt, the emotional weight of difficult cases, and the unique stress of supporting pet owners through grief and difficult financial decisions. This relentless pressure contributes to staggering statistics, with some research suggesting that up to 80% of veterinarians experience clinical depression at some point in their careers. The ongoing burnout crisis is also fueling a projected workforce shortage, with experts predicting a deficit of thousands of veterinarians by 2030, even as demand for their services is expected to grow by nearly 20%.

Despite these well-documented challenges, a gap has persisted in structured, accessible mental health support designed specifically for the veterinary community. While more professionals are seeking help—with counseling rates rising from 13% in 2017 to 25% in 2023—the need for proactive, preventative, and community-based care remains critical.

A New Partnership Forged in Hope

This new collaboration between a pet industry giant and a grassroots non-profit aims to fill that gap. The Veterinary Hope Foundation was founded by veterinarians and mental health advocates who saw the urgent need for sustained emotional support. The organization’s model is built on creating safe, confidential online spaces where veterinary team members can connect with peers and process their shared experiences under the guidance of a mental health professional.

The partnership with Pro Plan Veterinary will enable a significant expansion of these services, increasing the number of community groups and adding quarterly educational webinars. Vet Hope's core offering is a six-week online program that delves into crucial topics for building resilience and well-being, including authentic self-care, setting healthy boundaries, self-compassion, mindfulness, and achieving better work-life integration.

“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to provide the resources that vets need to improve their mental health and well-being,” said Blair McConnel, VMD and president of the board of Vet Hope. “Together, Veterinary Hope Foundation and the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission are expanding access to meaningful support, allowing participants to share common experiences, so no one in this profession has to navigate these challenges alone.”

Beyond the Bowl: A Mission to Support the Profession

For Purina, this partnership is a cornerstone of its Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission, a comprehensive initiative launched in 2024 to address systemic challenges facing the entire veterinary care team—from veterinarians and technicians to practice managers and support staff. Since its inception, the mission has directed over $3.5 million to organizations tackling the industry's most pressing issues.

This multi-pronged strategy demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond the company's traditional focus on pet nutrition. The mission's inaugural act was a $1 million donation to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) REACH Program™, which provides grants to veterinarians to cover care costs for pet owners in financial distress, thereby alleviating a major source of ethical and emotional stress for practitioners.

The mission also includes a partnership with Ease Pet Vet to provide general practices with no-cost access to board-certified veterinary behaviorists, addressing another common source of frustration for vets and pet owners alike. By investing in the well-being of veterinary students at institutions like Utah State University, the mission also aims to build a more resilient foundation for the next generation of animal healers.

“With so many veterinarians facing mental health challenges due to high stress, emotional fatigue, long hours and education-related debt, we wanted to provide a tangible way for veterinarians to receive support,” said Dr. Callie Harris, DVM, with Pro Plan Veterinary. “By partnering with the Veterinary Hope Foundation, we hope to help cultivate a culture where well-being is prioritized and mental health resources are accessible, stigma-free and integrated into the fabric of veterinary practice.”

This holistic approach—addressing financial stressors, complex cases, and direct mental health support—positions the company as a key ally to the profession it serves. The collaboration with Vet Hope provides a direct infusion of resources into a program designed by and for the veterinary community, ensuring the support is relevant, empathetic, and effective. As the veterinary world continues to grapple with its well-being crisis, this fusion of corporate resources and non-profit expertise offers a scalable blueprint for fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for animal caregivers.