In September, NVS Select Healthcare introduced the “Big Chill” campaign, a new initiative aimed at sparking conversations about mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. Recognising the unique challenges veterinary teams face, the campaign encourages veterinary professionals to share their top strategies for fostering calm, both in the workplace and with their patients.
The centrepiece of the campaign is the Big Chill questionnaire, which invites members of veterinary teams to offer tips in two key areas:
- How they prioritise self-care for themselves and their colleagues.
- How they manage anxious or stressed patients during consultations.
By participating, individuals will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a VetYogi practice subscription for up to ten team members, offering further tools and resources to support mental health and wellbeing.
Gemma Vardy, Senior Category Specialist at NVS Group, emphasises the campaign’s importance:
“Mental health and wellbeing have never been more critical within the veterinary industry. Our Big Chill campaign not only supports the wellbeing of veterinary professionals but also highlights our range of animal calming products, such as NVS Select Healthcare calming chews, which are designed to improve patient experiences.”
The initiative has garnered significant support from industry sponsors, with Pet Remedy standing alongside NVS Select Healthcare as a key partner. The campaign aims to not only improve the mental health of veterinary teams but also focus on improving the welfare of animals by promoting calm during consultations.
“Calm animals in consult rooms are crucial,” Vardy continues, “both for animal welfare and the safety of veterinary professionals. By sharing their techniques and advice, veterinary teams can help ensure that examinations are less stressful for everyone involved—vet, owner, and pet.”
At the heart of the campaign is the support for nervous or anxious pets through calming products like NVS’s calming chews, which help ease signs of anxiety in pets. These products, designed with both animals and veterinary teams in mind, contribute to a more peaceful environment that benefits both sides of the exam table.
Chloe Hannigan, founder of VetYogi and a partner in the campaign, expresses her excitement about the collaboration:
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Big Chill campaign. Self-care and mental health awareness are much needed in the veterinary community, and I’m honored to provide evidence-based tools that can help support veterinary teams who are under significant pressure.”
Veterinary professionals are encouraged to join the conversation and contribute to a more supportive workplace culture by sharing their own tips and insights. The campaign also highlights the importance of caring for animals’ emotional wellbeing, ensuring that veterinary professionals have the resources to provide safe and calm care.
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