Every day across Europe, veterinary healthcare professionals play an indispensable role in protecting the health of animals, the people who love them, and the communities we share. Yet behind the compassion, expertise, and resilience that define this profession, a growing crisis too often remains unspoken. The wellbeing of veterinarians and veterinary teams is under unprecedented strain—a reality that urgently needs recognition and collective action.

This conversation matters. And it matters now.

A profession under pressure.

Veterinary professionals are facing unprecedented levels of stress, with many considering leaving the profession altogether. Insights from an online quantitative survey highlight the scale of the challenge facing the profession today and underline the urgent need for greater wellbeing support.

• 76% of veterinarians surveyed declared they feel emotionally overwhelmed by their work once a week or more often*.

• 67% of veterinarians surveyed declared they feel under pressure in their roles right now (Extreme pressure’, ‘High pressure’ and ‘Moderate pressure’ answers combined)*.

• 46% of veterinarians surveyed described their current mental health status as poor*.

• 78% are looking for support related to mental health or wellbeing*.

• 71% of veterinarians surveyed said they have considered leaving the profession because of emotional distress*.

*Online quantitative survey amongst 654 veterinarians in Italy, France and Portugal. Censuswide, Jan 2026.

These numbers are not just data points; they reflect real people navigating real emotional and psychological challenges while dedicating their lives to the wellbeing of animals.

The role of industry partners: supporting you in meaningful ways

As a longstanding partner to veterinary professionals, at Purina® PRO PLAN® we recognise role in supporting the sustainability of the profession. Strengthening veterinarian wellbeing is not only the right thing to do—it is fundamental to the wider health ecosystem, reflecting the close interconnection between animal health, human wellbeing and the environment.

As a longstanding partner to veterinary professionals, at Purina® PRO PLAN® we recognise our role in supporting the sustainability of the profession. We acknowledge that reinforcing veterinarian wellbeing is not only the right thing to do—it is essential to the health ecosystem, reflecting the close interconnection between animal health, human wellbeing and the environment.

We have created Purina® PRO PLAN® ‘Thank You Vets’ initiative to honour the essential role of veterinary professionals and provide practical, relevant tools to help you navigate an increasingly demanding environment.

This initiative brings together insights from mental health experts, clinical specialists, and veterinary organisations to deliver resources focused on stress management, emotional resilience, communication, and mindfulness.

Support, recognition, and community—where you are

Even though some content will be created and delivered locally across the different geographies, main content and resources within the initiative are accessible online through www.vet-center.eu/thank-you-vets including wellbeing tools, expert videos, practical guidance, etc. We’ve also gathered heartfelt messages of gratitude from pet owners across Europe, highlighting the meaningful impact your work has on so many lives.

We truly hope that you feel the value and care behind these resources, and that you find them genuinely useful in supporting your wellbeing. Our goal is to provide meaningful, practical tools that make a positive difference in your daily professional life—because your health, balance, and resilience matter deeply.

Discover more at www.vet-center.eu/thank-you-vets

To all veterinary healthcare professionals: we see your care, so we want to show ours. Thank you vet professionals.