An estimated 75 million pets in the U.S. may not have access to the veterinary care they need by 2030, with an important factor being a critical shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Further, with nearly 90% of veterinary professionals identifying as white, the need to not only increase the number of veterinary professionals but also to diversify the talent pipeline is critical for the industry.

Banfield Pet Hospital recently teamed up with actor and comedian Kenan Thompson to launch a new national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America that encourages high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in veterinary medicine. Plus, Banfield announced its hashtag#NextVet internship, giving 15 high school students across the country an immersive experience, providing insight into what it’s like to work in the veterinary industry.

This is all part of a nearly $10 million commitment to help veterinary professionals realize their full potential while creating accessible pathways for individuals that aspire to follow in their footsteps. Read more here: bit.ly/3m7FZYv

At Banfield, we are constantly evaluating how we can make a lasting impact on pets, people, and society. I am driven by our purpose to make a better world for pets. As leaders, we need to constantly drive our discussions and decisions back to how can we improve the lives and realities of everyone in our care.

With each of us moving quickly to put last year in the rearview, I’m proud that we’re taking time as an organization to truly celebrate solidarity and giving back in a year that felt like one obstacle after another. It’s tough to think of a better day than hashtag#NationalLoveYourPetDay to launch the 2020 Banfield Pet Hospital Corporate Social Responsibility Report and the Banfield Foundation Impact Report!

Both reports tell powerful stories of what’s possible when our associates and teams leverage our size and scale for good. I continue to be deeply grateful for everything we accomplished in 2020 and how we came together to be there for each other and the pets and communities that count on us. As 2021 takes shape, we’re eager to do more to further our societal impact.

The pandemic caused many shifts in the way we interact. The client experience must continue evolving too. Digital innovation, ease of access, and personalization will come to define customer-centric service.

I’m excited about steps Banfield is taking to support even more meaningful client experiences and increased access to care. How are you meeting your customers where they are, in ways that work for them?

2020 has provided a necessary shift in perspective and encouraged us all to be more thoughtful, kind, and unified. As we reach the finish line of this particularly challenging year, looking forward to Banfield’s future is a great source of inspiration and hope.

As a leader, I am deeply grateful to the people who helped keep Banfield moving forward despite all obstacles: our associates. We are more committed than ever to continue investing in our associates through Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity initiatives; educational opportunities; an emphasis on health and wellbeing; and increases in wages and benefits.

Together with our associates, we are ramping up our focus on innovating and personalizing the experience of our clients in 2021. I’m confident this will allow us to move closer to achieving our purpose, creating hashtag#ABetterWorldForPets.

Last week, we announced a partnership with Appalachian State University to strengthen the pipeline of licensed veterinary technicians and create a more sustainable future for the veterinary profession.

In my new role as president, I find myself revisiting those same emotions when I hear about our associates continuing this dedication to serve. It’s in that spirit that I’m proud to release our recently published 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.