Introduction
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the
steps Covetrus, Inc. (“Covetrus” or the “Company”) is taking on behalf of its subsidiaries to ensure
that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in its supply chains or in any parts of its
business.
Organisational Structure
Covetrus is a global animal-health technology and services company dedicated to empowering
veterinary practice partners to drive improved health and financial outcomes. Founded in February
2019 through the merger of Vets First Choice and Henry Schein Animal Health, Covetrus is
bringing together products, services, and technology into a single platform that connects our
customers to the solutions and insights they need to work best. Our passion for the well-being of
animals and those who care for them drives us to advance the world of veterinary
medicine. Covetrus is headquartered in Portland, Maine (USA), with more than 6,000 employees,
serving over 100,000 customers around the globe.
Within the United Kingdom, Covetrus primarily supplies goods and services through a whollyowned
subsidiary called AH UK Animal Health (PVT) Ltd. (“Covetrus UK”).
Our Policies
Covetrus takes the issues of slavery and human trafficking very seriously and is committed to
maintaining the highest level of integrity, ethical standards, and legal principles in every aspect of
its business.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code”) requires all employees, executive
officers, directors and other third parties acting on its behalf (each, a “Company Party”) to comply
with the laws, rules and regulations of the cities, states and countries in which the Company
operates, including the United Kingdom. Each Company Party is responsible for abiding by the
regulations and policies governing his or her conduct and that of the Company in the countries in
which he or she is doing business.
The Code also reaffirms the Company’s commitment to equal employment opportunities for its
employees, to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, and to
maintaining a workplace that is safe and healthy.
Supplier Code of Conduct
Covetrus UK originally adopted the legacy Henry Schein Group Global Supplier Code of Conduct
in 2016, which was replaced post-merger by the Covetrus Global Supplier Code of Conduct
(collectively, “Supplier Code”). The Supplier Code sets out the Company’s expectations of
suppliers in relation to human rights. It requires suppliers to ensure they provide an environment
where employment decisions are based on free choice and do not involve forced or prison labour,
physical punishment or threats of violence or other forms of physical, sexual, psychological or
verbal abuse as a method of discipline or control. The Supplier Code also prohibits child labour
and demands adherence to the minimum employment age limit as defined by applicable laws. In
2021, Covetrus published its first ESG Report, which includes the commitments in the Supplier
Code.1
Reporting Mechanisms
Company Parties are encouraged to report any known or suspected violations of law, regulation,
or policy to the Company’s General Counsel, Chair of the Audit Committee, or via the Company’s
Ethics & Compliance Line (“Hotline”), as further described in the Code. The Hotline is operated
by an independent third party, and is available worldwide 24 hours a day, 7 days of week, via
telephone and the internet. Company Parties may report anonymously, where permitted by local
law. All reports to the Hotline are treated confidentially to the extent possible. The Company has
in place additional policies and procedures to protect whistle blowers, including a strong nonretaliation
policy. No reports were received in 2023 that raised concerns in relation to modern
slavery.
Supply Chains
Covetrus expects its suppliers to conduct their business in a lawful manner and in compliance with
the highest standards of integrity and ethics.
Covetrus UK has over 500 active suppliers for animal healthcare products, many of which have
long-standing relationships with the Company and therefore have clear expectations with regard
to compliance and social accountability. Furthermore, all new suppliers must confirm in writing
their adherence to the Supplier Code, which forms an important part of the Company’s due
diligence process. Covetrus is also developing supplier standard terms that require compliance
with our Supplier Code. Additionally, Covetrus UK conducts an annual risk review of existing
suppliers based on SA8000 standards.
Training
The Code is publicly available on the Company’s website and is further available to employees
(both in English and other relevant languages) on the Company’s intranet. Covetrus requires all
employees to complete electronic training on the Code annually, and to certify that they have
received, read, understand and agree to abide by the Code.
Declaration
This statement constitutes Covetrus UK’s slavery and human trafficking statement for the last
financial year and has been approved on 30 June 2024 by Erin Sparks, Director, AH UK Animal
Health (PVT) Ltd.