Knowledge
Center
Making a Place for Everyone
People have an inherent need to belong to a group, place or community. They long to be accepted for who they are – and valued for what they do.
When people are appreciated for their differences and similarities and provided a supportive and safe place to grow, they are empowered to do their best work.

Employees are 3.5x more likely to live up to their full potential when they feel like they belong at work

Diverse & inclusive teams yield a 66% higher return on investment than less diverse teams
McKinsey & Company, Deloitte

Companies with an inclusive culture are 8x more likely to achieve better business outcomes
McKinsey & Company, Deloitte
Mirroring Our Communities
Our practices and organizations will be more successful when we reflect the diversity of those we serve. Owners of pets and other animals come from various multicultural backgrounds, experiences and needs. Thus, diversifying the veterinary healthcare team at every level allows us to understand and communicate effectively for higher-quality animal care.
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are essential in cultivating and maintaining a culture that fosters both individual and organizational success. By giving people a place to flourish, we create opportunities for them to thrive in the veterinary community.
The First Steps
The road to building greater diversity starts with individual levels of awareness. So, what do we mean when we discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging?
DIVERSITY refers to the respect and appreciation of the physical, cultural and psychological differences and similarities that make each person unique. Valuing diversity in a veterinary environment means embracing and celebrating fellow veterinary professionals that look, talk or think differently – and recognizing that embracing these attributes only strengthens a group or organization.
EQUITY involves removing barriers, presenting attainable opportunities for all, and treating everyone fairly. But treating everyone fairly in an environment doesn’t mean treating everyone the same. Rather, it encourages leaders to recognize differing backgrounds and perspectives, and meeting individuals where they are for optimal success.
What’s Next?
Our ultimate goal is to foster a community of DEIB in veterinary medicine. By providing tools
and resources to support DEIB efforts, we can build a culture where everyone feels respected, valued – and can thrive.
To achieve optimal results, we will provide these groups with a compilation of best practices. And we’ll support measuring success through surveys, employee retention, utilization of materials and other metrics.
For us, it’s about meeting people where they are – and then inviting them to join our journey to a better veterinary community. Check back soon for updates as our initiatives continue to evolve. If you’re interested in getting involved, complete the contact form below.