LOGAN, Utah – Purina Pro Plan Veterinary has launched the Purina Pro Plan Wellness Center at Utah State University (USU), aimed at alleviating challenges faced by veterinarians. This initiative is part of the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission, emphasizing support for veterinary professionals from their student years onward. Located within the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the wellness center will provide USU veterinary students with private meeting spaces for wellness discussions and areas for meditation and mindfulness, promoting self-care alongside their professional training.
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"The Purina Pro Plan Wellness Center represents our commitment to making wellbeing an integral part of veterinary education," said Michael Bishop, the director of student affairs for USU's CVM. He noted the importance of developing not only clinical skills but also resilience and self-care habits necessary for a successful veterinary career.
The opening coincides with USU's expansion of its four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, which welcomed its first class of 39 students in August 2025 and will move into a new facility in summer 2026. The college recently enrolled the class of 2030, consisting of 77 students, who began their studies this fall.
Vets face significant challenges, including burnout and mental health issues. A study indicates that 32% of first-year veterinary students exhibit depressive symptoms. Pro Plan Veterinary emphasizes that care for mental health should start before graduation, highlighting the need for wellness resources for students preparing to enter the profession.
Emily Cross, DVM, DABVP, Director of Vet Technical Communications at Purina, stressed the goal of fostering an environment supportive of future veterinarians' wellbeing during their formative educational years.
USU's CVM received provisional accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education in 2025, focusing on training compassionate professionals committed to serving animals and communities.
Since its inception in 2024, the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission has allocated over $3.5 million to nonprofit organizations aimed at addressing various challenges in the veterinary field. These include mental health support collaborations, financial assistance for clients unable to afford care, and initiatives for improving access to expert veterinary services. The Purina Pro Plan Wellness Center at USU expands these efforts by supporting students as they embark on their careers.