AVA receives major Zoetis Foundation grant to expand flagship veterinary wellbeing program

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has been awarded a new grant of USD $125,000 from the Zoetis Foundation to expand its flagship wellness program, THRIVE: Cultivating Safe Teams, supporting the mental health and psychological safety of veterinary teams across Australia.

The grant marks a significant milestone in the program’s evolution, supporting its transition from a successful national pilot to broader integration across the veterinary sector, driven by overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.

“This funding is recognition of the AVA’s deep commitment to mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession,” said AVA President Dr Gemma Chuck. “Veterinarians are essential to the health of our animals, our communities, and the agricultural systems that feed the nation. Supporting their wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it’s vital to Australia’s social fabric and economic success.”

Developed under the AVA’s THRIVE Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, Cultivating Safe Teams equips veterinary teams with practical tools to foster psychologically safe environments. It focuses on identifying psychosocial hazards, improving team communication, reducing risk of burnout, and enhancing workplace culture through evidence-based training that helps prevent psychological harm.

During the national pilot, Cultivating Safe Teams trained 735 veterinary professionals across a wide range of practice settings, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback for its practical, team-based approach to psychological health and safety and wellbeing.

Participant quote:

The session was fantastic, having someone go through all of this, specifically through the lens of the veterinary profession, meant it was [a] very relatable and relevant discussion on psychosocial factors and their effects. 

Dr Chuck also extended her gratitude to the Zoetis Foundation for their ongoing support:

“We sincerely thank the Zoetis Foundation for recognising the importance of this program and continuing to invest in the wellbeing of veterinary teams. This grant enables us to reach more clinics, create more positive change, and build a stronger, more resilient veterinary workforce.”

The Zoetis Foundation’s mission is to advance opportunities for veterinarians and farmers, including a focus on mental wellbeing. Its ongoing support of the AVA’s Cultivating Safe Teams program strengthens AVA’s efforts to build a thriving, sustainable veterinary profession.

For more information about Cultivating Safe Teams visit the AVA website.

ENDS