Sophie's
Legacy
Help us get more mental health
support
for vet professionals
Why we need your help

Right now, the suicide rate for veterinarians is four times higher than the average person. Please help us reverse this trend by signing our petition to lobby for government policy and industry change. Together we can better support our vet professionals with more preventative mental health support.

Thank you to those that have signed the petition.

Every signature counts
towards helping us save lives and make real change.

Download and share poster
You can help make all the difference
What is Sophie's Legacy
What is Sophie's Legacy

Dr. Sophie Putland was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a beloved vet, who tragically took her own life in September 2021. The pressure of the veterinary profession, including client abuse, became overwhelming for her.

On average, a vet dies by suicide approximately
every 12 weeks.

Family and friends established Sophie’s Legacy to honour her memory and advocate for change within the industry. We are determined to see all veterinary staff thrive. Happy vets equals happy pets too, right?

Our cause has resonated worldwide, and we believe we are already making a difference.

Learn more
Together we can make a difference.

Keen to help out?

Like us, you love animals and are grateful for the wonderful people who care for them.

Support them by understanding the issues they face, dispelling the myths, and spreading our message far and wide.

Needing Support?

We know your calling is to care but carrying the load isn’t always easy.

Having access to helpful tools and training is important and we’ve gathered some for you.

Let us share some love.

Offering Support?

There are plenty of ways to help us. People have run marathons, staged events, donated sales – even sold nude calendars!

We’d love you in our community.

We’re stronger together.

Making a bright future for everyone
Many more pets, not enough vets

Pet ownership in Australia has reached a record 69% which has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic

That's one vet for every 2,026 pets, and that doesn't include horses, wildlife and livestock.

There are 15,000 vets in Australia to look after pets.

And many hundreds more vets will be needed over the next few years.

We've created 'The Promise'...

We have launched a National Education Campaign to honour Sophie and help stem the shocking suicide rate among veterinarians.

The “We’re Only Human” campaign asks pet and animal owners to make the promise to be kind and respectful and to understand the massive pressures impacting veterinary staff.

Kindness is contagious.

Make The Promise
The latest...

Announcing a partnership with
Lincoln Institute.

Sophie’s Legacy and Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business are proud to announce their official partnership, aimed at improving the mental wellbeing and fulfillment of staff in veterinary practices.

Learn more
Latest
Spreading compassion. Inspiring change.
Our impact so far...

Now I know better, I do better, and explain to others.

Thank you for setting Sophie’s Legacy up and speaking up for veterinarians who deserve better.

Sophie’s Legacy is a true beacon of hope and help.