Home | Veterinary Hope Foundation

Veterinarians are always there for us. We’re here for them.

Veterinarians see animals struggle every day.

But what often goes unseen are the struggles they face.

Veterinarians are always there for us. We’re here
for them.

Veterinarians see animals struggle every day.

But what often goes unseen are the struggles
they face.

Unseen is the emotional toll that makes veterinarians far too vulnerable to burnout, depression and even suicide.

We see it, though, and we need others to, as well. Because, together, we can offer veterinarians in crisis something profound …

HOPE

Veterinary Hope Foundation was established with the belief that even when things are at their darkest, there is hope.

Our focus is on support, education and connection programs tailored specifically for the animal care community.

No one should be alone.

Dr. Mike Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (C/F)

Veterinary Hope Foundation Board Member
Owner of Cavanaugh Veterinary Consulting

Mike has enjoyed a long career in veterinary medicine, including nearly 15 years in private practice, 14 years in the animal health industry and 10½ years as CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association. Mike now consults with veterinarians and animal health companies to help them achieve their goals.

Heather Owen, DVM, MAV, CCRP, CCFT

Veterinary Hope Foundation Board Secretary
Owner of Animal Acupuncture

After practicing emergency and critical care medicine, Heather became focused on animal acupuncture. Certified in canine rehabilitation, Heather has made a career rooted in sports medicine, rehabilitation and animal acupuncture.

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa, DVM

Veterinary Hope Foundation Vice President
Owner of Courtenay Animal Hospital

Elizabeth began her career on active duty in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. Today, Elizabeth is a small-animal veterinarian, practice owner and mother who stays active in leadership for the profession through DVMoms, a support group for veterinarians who are also mothers.

Blair McConnel, VMD, MBA

Veterinary Hope Foundation Board President
Founder of Spotlight Solutions LLC

Blair has spent her career building new businesses and leading marketing teams in the pet care and livestock space. She is committed to using her skills, network and energy to help veterinarians and their teams.

Dr. Roger Saltman, DVM, MBA

Veterinary Hope Foundation Board Treasurer
Founder of RLS Management Solutions LLC

Roger is the former chief medical officer of Zoetis with over 33 years of experience in the animal health and pharmaceuticals industries. Today, Roger owns a consulting firm specializing in animal health and management, career coaching and financial planning.

Dr. Laurie Fonken, L.P.C.

Veterinary Hope Foundation Board Member
Owner of Whole Vets LLC

Laurie has been a counselor and consultant in the area of health and wellbeing for 35 years. The owner of Whole Vets LLC, she offers educational training and consultation to veterinary professionals to strengthen their wellbeing through healthy resilience, engagement and compassion tactics.

We are a team of committed, caring professionals.

Our board members and advisory panel are made up of respected veterinary health professionals representing a range of perspectives. Click on the button below to learn more about the individual board members.

We are here to provide resources and support

We will offer multiple interactive support groups for veterinarians, each one led by a mental health professional. Groups will focus on issues meaningful to practicing veterinarians such as dealing with distraught clients, balancing family and work, handling grief and building emotional stamina.

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