How Banfield is Fighting Back Against Veterinary Suicide

A study published in January 2019 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed 1 in 6 veterinarians have considered suicide, and 1 in 10 experience severe psychological distress.

To address this crisis, Banfield Pet Hospital announced a new training program called ASK (Assess, Support, Know), designed specifically to help veterinarians combat emotional distress and suicidal thoughts, both for themselves and others.

Additionally, Banfield plans to block out schedules at all 1,000-plus Banfield hospitals nationwide for two hours for mental health and well-being training, and make its ASK training program available free of charge to all veterinarians and U.S. veterinary colleges.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.