A national campaign by Sophie’s Legacy now seeks to combat workplace abuse in veterinary practices, where employees experience suicide risks far exceeding those of the general population. The effort follows the 2021 death of Dr. Sophie Putland, who died at age 33 after enduring verbal abuse and threats from a client. Her parents, Garry and Kate Putland, established the organization after discovering veterinarians face four times the national suicide rate.
Kate Putland stated that reports of client aggression continue, sometimes forcing staff to contact police. “We cannot ever accept that as being ‘part of the job’ – vets and the incredible nurses, reception teams, orderlies and cleaners all deserve to be safe at work,” she said. The campaign will place branded coffee cups bearing the slogan “Cats have nine lives… your vet only has one” in cafés across the country, alongside posters, stickers, and QR codes directing users to the organization’s resources.
Additional billboards and sidewalk advertisements will reinforce the message. Garry Putland highlighted the campaign’s direct approach: “We’re doing everything we can to make the veterinary profession mentally healthier and by saying ‘Cats have nine lives, your vet and their team only have one’; it just puts it out there the people treating your pet only have one life.” Since its creation, Sophie’s Legacy has advocated for parliamentary investigations and industry-wide reforms to enhance workplace safety and reduce staff attrition.
The initiative combines immediate public awareness with long-term systemic goals. Today marks the launch, with promotional materials delivered to every veterinary clinic in Australia. A coordinated social media effort will extend the campaign’s reach across major platforms, engaging both urban and rural communities.
Sophie’s Legacy has also secured commitments from major veterinary associations to incorporate mental health training into professional development programs. These findings show the urgency of the campaign’s work.
The association has pledged to distribute additional safety resources to member clinics within the next three months.
