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World Mental Health Day: How our practices are supporting team wellbeing
October 9, 2025
In honour of World Mental Health Day, we’re highlighting the meaningful and compassionate ways our practices are supporting mental wellbeing. From self-care activities and remembrance spaces to dedicated time for rest and team connection, these initiatives celebrate the care, empathy and creativity within our practices.
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a global reminder of the importance of prioritizing wellbeing— and in the veterinary field, that message is particularly important. Veterinary teams face unique challenges every day, guiding pet families through both joyful and difficult moments. Supporting the mental wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to animal care is essential.
Across our practices, teams are leading by example, creating environments where mental wellbeing is actively supported. Here are a few examples of activities some of our practices have undertaken over the past year.
- Kamloops Veterinary Clinic was honoured to welcome Christa Haywood-Farmer, a trainer with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, who spoke with the team about fostering open conversations around mental health. The session covered important topics such as anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, and provided a safe space for their team to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.
- Chase River Veterinary Hospital created a Memorial Wall called Memorial Paws in remembrance of beloved patients, offering colleagues a meaningful way to process loss together.
- Avon Animal Hospital recently hosted a creative self-care activity, inviting their team to build fairy garden planters with locally sourced flowers. It was a chance to relax, recharge, and add a little joy to the workplace.
- Talbot Animal Clinic and Elgin Animal Hospital introduced Monthly Time Out Tuesdays, closing their doors early to give their teams time to rest and focus on personal wellbeing. In September, both practices came together for a friendly game of cornhole—an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and team spirit.
- Clinique vétérinaire St-André embraced Bring Your Dog to Work Day showing how pets bring joy and positivity to the workplace.
- This summer, Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital took time to celebrate their incredible team by stepping outside to enjoy the sunshine with a team potluck and BBQ, sharing delicious food, fresh air, and enjoyed each other’s company.
These initiatives reflect the care and creativity our teams bring to supporting one another. Together, we’re building workplaces where compassion, resilience, and wellbeing thrive side by side.