Mars Veterinary Health and our businesses are committed to championing inclusion and diversity (I&D) within our organization and across the veterinary profession. I&D initiatives across Mars Veterinary Health include:
League of VetaHumanz Partnership
Mars Veterinary Health sponsors the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s League of VetaHumanz, which teams up with community organizations to provide access and support for children in economically disadvantaged communities who aspire to veterinary careers through an alliance of veterinary superheroes in academia, practice, research, government, and industry. The program engages under-resourced communities to educate and inspire kindergarten through fourth-grade children with veterinary lessons, activities, stories, and self-guided educational STEM experiences.
In 2022, VCA launched a pilot program with VetaHumanz at its St. Clair Shores clinic in Michigan where veterinary team members interacted with students to help them learn about veterinary careers. VCA plans to bring VetaHumanz to more of its hospitals in the future.
Pawsibilities Vet Med Partnership
Mars Veterinary Health sponsors and partners with Pawsibilities Vet Med to help increase diversity in the veterinary profession by providing mentorship, professional development, and resources to all veterinarians.
Vet Set Go Partnership
VCA and Vet Set Go encourage future veterinarians by improving their access to programs and education through hands-on experience shadowing and educational resources to help students overcome barriers often faced when pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
Banfield Pet Academy™
Banfield Pet Academy was established 15+ years ago to inspire future veterinary professionals by introducing them to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in their community. Banfield veterinary professionals volunteer their time to educate and inspire nearly 10,000 elementary school, middle school, and high school students annually through presentations, behind-the-scenes hospital tours, and job-shadowing experiences. Since its launch, the program has reached more than 100,000 kids, and the practice has made all three editions of Banfield Pet Academy available at no cost to the entire veterinary industry via Banfield Exchange.
Part of Banfield Pet Academy, Banfield’s NextVet internship program is aimed at strengthening and diversifying the veterinary pipeline by creating career pathways for all students 16 years and older to explore a future in veterinary medicine.
Banfield also partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to expand the reach of Banfield Pet Academy and help inspire high school students from a diverse range of backgrounds to consider a future in veterinary medicine.
Atlanta Humane Society Veterinary Clinic Support
Atlanta Humane Society announced the construction of a new veterinary clinic opening in Spring 2022, made possible with VCA’s support. The clinic will provide accessible veterinary care to a qualifying population of pet owners experiencing financial hardship or who need support to keep pets healthy and in their homes.
Diversity Resource Groups
Thousands of Mars Veterinary Health Associates participate in their practice’s internal Diversity Resources Groups (DRGs), which exist to enable all Associates to connect to share their personal experiences, and challenges, and support one another. BluePearl also launched the Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations (ABLE) DRG, to celebrate and empower Associates to reach their full potential by providing an inclusive environment that advocates and supports inclusivity and accessibility.
