Boehringer Ingelheim shared new survey results this weekend exploring animal owners’ perceptions of the vital role veterinarians play in animal health and community well-being.

The 2025 survey of animal owners builds on a 2024 survey, also conducted in partnership with market research institute Kynetec, which explored whether veterinarians feel valued and understood by animal owners.

Both efforts are part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond campaign, which seeks to spotlight aspects of veterinary work that often remain unseen and under recognized.

“In collaboration with our Going Beyond campaign partners, we are proud to celebrate veterinary teams, bringing attention to their crucial role worldwide as animal health practitioners, advocates, researchers, educators, surgeons, public health experts and more,” said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

The 2025 Going Beyond survey of animal owners revealed several findings that contrast significantly with perceptions shared in the 2024 survey of veterinarians.

Perceptions around appreciation

According to the 2025 survey, 94 percent of animal owners said they appreciate the veterinary profession, and 91 percent recognized that veterinary teams are essential or important to society. By comparison, in 2024, only 49 percent of veterinarians said animal owners appreciate the veterinary profession.

In addition, 93 percent of animal owners this year said they appreciate the level of care provided by their veterinary teams, while in 2024, only 75 percent of veterinarians felt animal owners appreciated the level of care they provide.

“It is rewarding to see the high appreciation for veterinarians noted in the Going Beyond survey, and we need to continue to increase awareness of the essential role of veterinary professionals in safeguarding animal health and impacting society through food safety and infectious disease control,” said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “By partnering in the Going Beyond campaign, we hope to deepen the public’s understanding of this field and foster the recognition veterinary teams truly deserve.”

Views on work-life balance and stress

Among animal owners surveyed, 65 percent said veterinarians have a good work-life balance. In 2024, 48 percent of veterinarians said animal owners under appreciate that veterinarians sacrifice their work-life balance to help animals. In addition, 66 percent of animal owners said they believed veterinarians require a high level of resilience to manage stress and emotional exhaustion.

This figure was significantly lower when compared to responses about other essential professions, including doctors, police officers, firefighters, and teachers. In 2024, 49 percent of veterinarians said animal owners underappreciate their resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion.

“Veterinary teams are on the front lines of animal health and well-being, yet the intense physical and emotional demands of the profession often go unrecognized,” said Dr. Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “To protect this essential profession, the public must do more to acknowledge the commitment and long hours veterinary teams dedicate to ensure the well-being of the animals in their care.”

‘Guess Who?’ video highlights common misunderstandings
In support of World Veterinary Day, the Going Beyond campaign also released a thought-provoking video asking animal owners to guess what type of professional fits a range of compelling job responsibilities and characteristics.

“People love their veterinary teams, and we think if animal owners knew that their veterinary team might be struggling at times, they would care deeply,” said Fowler. “We hope the Going Beyond campaign helps veterinarians feel more appreciated for their many contributions and resilience. Animal owners can make a big difference by thanking their veterinary teams, whether in person, by phone, email or social media — it all helps veterinary teams feel motivated, engaged, and able to thrive.”

The American Jersey Cattle Association is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 national scholarship program, which supports educational opportunities for Jersey youth pursuing post-secondary education and on-farm internships. Applications are due by July 1, 2025.

The scholarship program offers a variety of awards for students at different stages of their academic journey. Scholarships available include:

Achievement and academic scholarships

• Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250): Open to nominees of the national achievement contest.
• V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,250): Applicants must have completed at least one year of college coursework.
• Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000): Requires completion of one year of college.
• AJCA Directors Scholarship ($1,500): Awarded based on academic performance, activities with Jersey cattle, and a commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy industry.

Scholarships for entering college freshmen

• William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000): Exclusively for incoming college freshmen.

Scholarships based on program of study

• Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500): Available to undergraduate and graduate students, based on their field of study.
• Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000): Awarded to graduate students pursuing advanced studies.

Practical experience and specialized scholarships

• Bob Toole Youth Award ($1,500): Supports college expenses or practical agricultural experiences for high school graduates.
• Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750): For juniors and seniors in college, awarded based on their program of study.

Additional awards

• The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500): Detailed requirements for application and renewal are listed on the application form.
• Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000): Requirements to apply and renew are detailed on the application.
• Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500): Exclusively for attendees of the Jersey Youth Academy.
• Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350): A smaller recognition award for youth achievement.

Internship and regional Awards

• Fred Stout Experience Awards
  Two awards available: one for an internship with Jersey Marketing Service and one for a customized on-farm experience. Application deadline: December 1.
• Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Award
  Awarded to young Jersey owners in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Applicants must be at least high school seniors and no older than 36. The award amount varies yearly, averaging $1,500. Application deadline: July 1.

Since 1917, the AJCA has promoted youth involvement in the Jersey breed through programs that include free junior memberships until age 21, national contests, scholarships, and leadership activities such as the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, the Pot O’Gold Sale, and the All American Junior Jersey Show. Participants also have the opportunity to attend the Jersey Youth Academy, an intensive educational event held biennially in Columbus, Ohio.

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