In this episode Jamie Brannan is joined by Dr. Marie Jose Ender Slegers, the president of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. Dr. Enders-Slegers' profound immersion into the realm of human-animal bond research commenced later in life.

Caring for animals can be highly rewarding for many veterinary professionals, but operating in high-pressure and emotionally taxing environments can significantly impact their well-being. At Zoetis, we recognize their invaluable roles caring for the animals we need and love. With a grant from the Zoetis Foundation, the Shanti Project Veterinary Mental Health Initiative (VMHI) is helping to increase access to mental wellness programming for veterinary professions. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Zoetis EVP and Group President, International Operations, Aquaculture and Global Diagnostics, Jamie Brannan, sits down with Dr. Katie Lawler, co-founder of the VMHI, and Dr. Scarlett Magda, founder and president of Veterinarians International, to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

Equine advocates Jen Grant, Jessica Normand, and Lynn Thomas join Jamie Brannan to share the transformative power of equine-assisted programs for mental health and personal development – and what they are doing to support equitable access to these life-changing programs.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, Jamie to sits down with Dr. Grant Blashki, the clinical medical lead at Beyond Blue, to discuss mental health issues that impact the veterinary profession. Vets do amazing work each day to keep our animals healthy, but they also face heavy burdens – and even the most resilient people need support sometimes. For years, Zoetis has partnered with Beyond Blue to support mental health challenges faced by people living in rural Australia. Tune in to learn about the impact of Beyond Blue’s work and how we can continue supporting each other’s wellbeing.

Jamie is joined by Michelle Quint, Head of Business Analytics and Market Research for Zoetis International Operations, and Leo Tiernan, a performance and wellbeing coach. The trio discuss the six-part workshop that Michelle has put in place for her team at Zoetis and offer some tips on dealing with stress at work.

Jamie sits down with Mike McFarland to kick off season 2 of Wellness. They discuss the latest HABRI global study on the Human Animal Bond and the important role that pets can play in your personal wellness. Mike also provides some tips for new pet owners.