Blue Buffalo has partnered with the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) to support the launch of Inspire, a statewide initiative focused on the mental health and well-being of veterinary professionals.
Launched in 2024 with financial support from Blue Buffalo, Inspire by FVMA provides veterinarians, technicians, and support staff with access to mental health tools, training, and resources aimed at reducing burnout and promoting sustainable careers. These include free counseling sessions, workplace coaching, and guidance from trained well-being champions within clinics.
“A career in veterinary medicine can be both physically and emotionally demanding,” said Alex Miller, VMD, MS, manager of Veterinary Services at General Mills and a participant in Inspire’s first cohort of well-being champions. “Veterinary professionals constantly give so much of themselves to the animals that rely on them. At Blue Buffalo, we believe they deserve the same compassion and support.”
The program includes three free sessions with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Veterinary Social Worker, both with experience in the field. Discounted rates for additional sessions and broader team-based support services are also available. The initiative is open to all veterinary professionals in Florida, not just FVMA members.
“As a new graduate veterinarian, perfectionism, self-criticism, a lack of effective tools, and poor emotional regulation in the face of self-imposed burnout overwhelmed me,” said Dr. Philip Richmond, DVM, chair of FVMA’s Professional Well-Being Committee. “Providing programs and tools for veterinary workplaces and professionals in all stages of their careers is a vital step in ensuring they feel safe and empowered to create fulfilling journeys in veterinary medicine.”
A 2023 AVMA survey found that more than 20% of veterinarians had considered leaving the profession due to mental health concerns. Inspire by FVMA aims to counter this trend with accessible support, and backers hope it could serve as a model for broader adoption across the industry.
More information on Inspire by FVMA is available at FVMA.org/Inspire.
Adapted from a press release.
