Purina Helping Veterinarians Help Animals
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets has announced the initiation of the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission, a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at alleviating common challenges faced by veterinary professionals in their practice. In a significant first step, the initiative has pledged a substantial donation of $1 million to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) REACH program. This program provides grants to veterinarians offering essential pet care services to owners undergoing financial difficulties.
The launch of this mission is a response to the pressing issues highlighted in the 2022 Veterinary Well Being Survey, which revealed that 92% of veterinary professionals are grappling with high levels of stress. Additionally, the forthcoming 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook has indicated a growing concern among pet owners regarding the escalating costs of veterinary care amidst rising living expenses.
Dr. Callie Harris, Senior Veterinary Communications Manager for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, emphasized the profound impact veterinarians have on numerous lives, including their patients, pet families, and fellow veterinarians. However, she acknowledged the multitude of stressors they face, ranging from staffing shortages and significant student debt to the challenge of providing quality care amid clients' financial constraints. The Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission is a commitment to aid veterinarians in overcoming these challenges, allowing them to focus on their core mission of providing care.
The AVMF's REACH program, which stands for Reaching Every Animal with Charitable Healthcare, was established to offer increased support to vulnerable communities and bring the foundation's ethos of "Helping Veterinarians Help Animals" to fruition. With the additional funding from Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, which includes a $200K donation made in 2023, the program is now poised to assist thousands of animals annually.
Dr. Lori Teller, Chair of the AVMF, expressed gratitude for Purina's substantial contribution. She noted that this generosity would significantly bolster the efforts of veterinarians providing charitable care, ultimately benefiting a broader range of pets and other animals in need of expert veterinary services.
Dr. Harris concluded that the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission is a testament to the company's enduring commitment to addressing both the personal and professional needs of veterinary practitioners. From developing innovative therapeutic diets to supporting research and collaborating with organizations to lessen veterinarians' burdens, Pro Plan Veterinary Diets is dedicated to enhancing patient care in various impactful ways.
Veterinarians interested in learning more about the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission or seeking to apply for a grant through the AVMF REACH program are encouraged to visit www.ProPlanVetSupport.com for more information.
