AHN Highlights:
- Investment: $2.5 million over three years
- Goals: Support wellbeing, expand veterinary pipeline, increase access to care
- Partners: Not One More Vet, AABP, National Agriculture in the Classroom, University of Georgia
- New initiatives: STEM lesson development, rural externships, mobile veterinary clinic
- Focus areas: Underserved urban and rural communities across the U.S.
The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation has announced a multi-year animal health initiative committing over $2.5 million through partnerships aimed at strengthening the veterinary profession and expanding access to care. The program targets three critical challenges: supporting veterinary wellbeing, building the future workforce, and increasing access to veterinary care in underserved urban and rural areas.
“Our new Animal Health Program goes beyond philanthropy—it’s about strategic investment in the future of veterinary healthcare,” said Rene Ward, Executive Director of U.S. Animal Health Corporate Affairs and Board Member of the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation. “By supporting veterinary professionals and expanding access to care, we’re helping ensure that animals and the people who care for them can thrive.”
The initiative launches amid growing strain on the veterinary workforce. Rising caseloads, high student debt, and early career burnout continue to challenge the sustainability of the profession. Boehringer’s program aims to address both immediate wellbeing needs and long-term pipeline development.
Three Focus Areas
Fueling the Veterinary Pipeline: A $60,000 collaboration with the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization will create STEM curriculum modules on antibiotics, vaccines, and genomics to inspire future animal-health professionals.
Supporting Veterinary Wellbeing: In partnership with Not One More Vet (NOMV), the program will offer confidential mental health support groups, counseling, and wellness education. The VITAL initiative will pilot in 10 nonprofit clinics to build psychologically safe, engaged teams.
Addressing Care Deserts: With 240 veterinary shortage areas identified across 47 states in 2024, the foundation will fund $2,000 rural externship stipends with AABP and partner with the University of Georgia to launch a mobile veterinary clinic serving rural communities.
Information and quotes from company press release.
