On the occasion of European Mental Health Week 2026, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA)  and the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) reaffirm their joint commitment to promoting mental well-being within the veterinary profession through the VetJoy initiative supported by Zoetis.
 
Veterinary professionals across Europe face a range of occupational challenges, including high workloads, emotional demands, workplace pressures and burnout. Through VetJoy, the partner organisations continue to work collaboratively to support healthier, more sustainable and more inclusive working environments for veterinary professionals at all stages of their careers.
 
In this context, FVE, FECAVA and IVSA express their support for Mental Health Europe’s call for a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy (2027–2037).

Strengthening Outreach and Engagement: launch of dedicated VetJoy Social Media channels

As part of the 2026 European Mental Health Week activities, we are delighted to let you know that VetJoy will launch official channels on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. These platforms will support the dissemination of information, resources and good practices and foster constructive dialogue on mental well-being within the veterinary community across Europe.

A Collective Commitment

The mental health of veterinarians is a matter of European public interest.
Without healthy professionals, there can be no effective animal health systems, no robust food safety, and no sustainable One Health approach. 

Improving mental well-being in the veterinary profession requires action at all levels – from individual workplaces to professional organisations and policymakers.
Through VetJoy, FVE, FECAVA and IVSA reaffirm their commitment to coordinated, cross‑level action with European and national stakeholders.

Applications for the Great Veterinary Workplace Award 2026 are open! 

A key highlight of this year’s campaign is the Great Veterinary Workplace Award, which recognises outstanding veterinary workplaces across Europe that go above and beyond to support their teams. 

VISIT VETJOY WEBSITE

About European Mental Health Week

European Mental Health Week is a pan-European initiative coordinated by Mental Health Europe, the largest independent mental health NGO in Europe. 
This  seventh edition of European Mental Health Week will take place from 4 to 8 May 2026.

FECAVA – The Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians in 40 European countries.

FVE – The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe is an umbrella organisation of veterinary organisations from 38 European countries.

IVSA – The International Veterinary Students’ Association is a student-run organization representing over 38.000 students from over seventy countries.