CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Veterinary Hope Foundation is initiating a campaign to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals. Research indicates that 75% of veterinarians report experiencing medium to high levels of burnout. To engage pet owners, the foundation has introduced the "Give a Crap" initiative, which encourages dog owners to pick up after their pets while highlighting the emotional burdens that veterinarians carry.
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Brightly colored dog waste bags featuring messages like "Some Loads are Heavier than Others" and "Before You Reach In, Reach Out" are being distributed in 22 pet-friendly locations and dog parks across Chicago in anticipation of World Mental Health Day on October 10. Denise Kolivoski, executive director of the Veterinary Hope Foundation, stated, "Veterinary professionals give so much to care for our animals and support the people who love them, but many pet owners never see the emotional weight they carry."
The dog waste bag dispensers will later expand to additional dog parks, veterinary clinics, and dog-friendly spaces nationwide to continue raising awareness about mental health in the veterinary field. Pet owners can visit LightenLoads.com for more information about the challenges veterinarians face and ways to support them.
The Veterinary Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is committed to fostering the mental well-being of veterinary professionals by promoting connection, collaboration, and mental health awareness within the industry through various community and educational initiatives. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, you can call or text the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.