The animal care industry is in crisis in America: Four out of 10 vets consider leaving the field and 1 in 6 have considered suicide (veterinarians have the highest suicide rate of any profession in the US). This is due to several factors including financial stress, staff shortages, lack of work-life balance, online bullying, and an overall stigma to reaching out for help. While millions of Americans struggle with mental health issues, incidents have consolidated in this industry. COVID-19 restrictions have exacerbated the issue. FOUR PAWS acknowledges that without veterinarians, there is no animal welfare. Something must be done to save our vets.

By signing, you are helping FOUR PAWS in accomplishing the following:

• Acknowledging that vets are in crisis and without vets there is no animal care/welfare
• Continue to educate the public on this issue and gain allies and mobilize advocates
• Advocating for congressional investigation into suicide rates of veterinarians
• To fight for increase funding from state and federal sources to veterinary mental health support
• I personally take a pledge to abstain from bullying of veterinarians online or in person