Vetoquinol UK names Vetlife as chosen charity to help raise vital funds for the veterinary community

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Vetoquinol UK, a family-owned veterinary pharmaceutical company dedicated to animal health, is proud to announce a new collaboration with Vetlife, the charity that provides emotional, financial and mental health support to the veterinary community. This is a vital step in Vetoquinol’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of both animals and the professionals who care for them. 

Veterinary professionals have elevated rates of suicide compared to the general population* and there is concern around various aspects of veterinary professional mental health. Vetlife has been instrumental in providing critical support to individuals in need, offering a lifeline for those in the veterinary field who require assistance with mental health needs, financial difficulties, or emotional support. Vetoquinol will support the charity’s mission through fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns to shine light on this cause. 

One of the key fundraising initiatives for 2025 will be ‘Movement May’, where Vetoquinol colleagues will be encouraged to take on a fitness challenge throughout the month, sponsored by family and friends. All funds raised will go directly to Vetlife’s essential services, with the initiative not only directly benefiting the veterinary community, but also Vetoquinol’s colleagues who are prioritising physical movement to support their mental health. Fitness challenges will encourage participants to get up and move more often than usual, no matter their fitness level. This could range from regular lunchtime walks, to cycling 150km or training for a marathon, whatever is a challenge for the individual – all with the goal of improving mental health and supporting the veterinary community. 

Adventurous Vetoquinol team members, along with agency partners, are also encouraged to join the Tour de Vet School project – a challenging cycling journey covering more than 1,000 miles, which will see participants journey to 12 veterinary schools across Great Britain – all to raise money for this brilliant cause. 

On the collaboration, Caitrina Oakes, Managing Director of Vetoquinol UK and Ireland commented: “Vetlife is a natural choice as our chosen charity. With colleagues speaking with vets and their teams on a daily basis, we hear first-hand the enormous pressures that our community are up against. Through partnering with Vetlife, we can go the extra mile, placing mental and physical wellbeing at the forefront – helping to ensure a healthy future for our industry, and for our animals.” 

Michelle Gratton, Vetlife Donor Relations Manager commented: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Vetoquinol and have been impressed with all the hard work their team have put into this collaboration already. Initiatives like Movement May will help raise awareness and much-needed funds for the services that can save lives. Together, we will expand our reach and continue to make a difference to the veterinary community." 

As part of its commitment, Vetoquinol will announce wider fundraising initiatives for colleagues and customers to be involved with throughout 2025. 

For more information on Vetlife and how you can get involved visit www.vetlife.org.uk or speak to your Vetoquinol territory manager.

* Platt 2010 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20591857