As a devoted pet owner, you want the best care possible for your four-legged companion. However, many people are unaware of the toll that veterinary burnout can take on the professionals who provide their pets’ care. Veterinary burnout is a significant issue affecting veterinary professionals worldwide, from client service representatives (CSRs) and kennel attendants to credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinarians.

Understanding veterinary burnout causes and consequences is crucial for both veterinarians and pet owners alike. To help support veterinary professionals suffering from this industry-wide challenge, our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team explores why veterinary burnout occurs and explains what pet owners can do to support their team.

What is veterinary burnout?

Veterinary burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by veterinary professionals as a result of prolonged stress and overwork. The condition causes professionals to feel cynical, detached from their work, and have a reduced sense of accomplishment. Burnout can affect all aspects of a veterinary professional’s life, including their ability to provide high-quality care to pets.

Why is veterinary burnout so prevalent?

Several factors contribute to the high burnout rates among veterinary professionals. Consider these challenges veterinary professionals face:

  • Long hours — A career in the veterinary field is not a nine-to-five job. Veterinarians often work long hours past closing time, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to provide around-the-clock care for pets, livestock, exotic animals, and wildlife.
  • Emotional demands — Caring for sick and injured pets, assisting with euthanasia decisions, and navigating difficult conversations with pet owners can take a significant emotional toll. Being unable to save them all—no matter how many pets are helped—weighs heavily on veterinary professionals’ minds.
  • Financial pressures — Rising student debt, exceedingly low salaries in certain veterinary medicine sectors, and the cost of running a veterinary practice contribute to financial stress.
  • Work-life imbalance — Many veterinary professionals struggle to find a balance between their demanding work schedules and personal lives, leading them to feel burnt out and exhausted. Because they are so concerned about pets’ care, veterinary professionals rarely turn off their cell phones, step away from emails, or even take vacations without still being plugged into the practice.

Why is understanding veterinary burnout important?

Understanding veterinary burnout causes and signs is crucial. Helping veterinary professionals avoid burnout provides the following benefits:

  • Preserving high-quality pet care — Burnout can negatively impact a veterinarian’s ability to provide high-quality care. By understanding burnout’s signs, you can advocate for veterinarians’ well-being and ensure pets receive the best possible care.
  • Supporting compassionate communication — Burnout can affect a veterinarian’s communication skills and bedside manner. Pet owners who are aware of burnout can approach conversations with their veterinarians with empathy and understanding.
  • Strengthening long-term relationships — Building a trusting relationship with your pet’s veterinarian is essential for your furry pal’s long-term health and well-being. Understanding and supporting your veterinary team when they feel burnt out can strengthen these relationships, and give your pet’s veterinary care team the opportunity to be there for you when your pet is ill, injured, or suffering.

How can pet owners support veterinary teams who feel burnt out?

Pet owners can support veterinary teams in several ways and help mitigate veterinary burnout. Help your pet’s veterinary team avoid burnout by doing the following:

  • Showing appreciation — Express gratitude for your veterinary team’s hard work and dedication to your pet’s health. A simple thank-you note or word of appreciation goes much further than you might realize.
  • Being understanding — Recognize that veterinarians are human and may experience stress and burnout. Be patient and understanding during busy or challenging times.
  • Prioritizing preventive care — Schedule regular exams and vaccinations for your pet to help prevent illness and reduce the need for emergency visits, easing your veterinary team’s workload.
  • Preparing for appointments — Help your pet’s appointment run smoothly by bringing all completed paperwork and any samples we’ve requested. Doing so saves a lot of time. Being prepared for your pet’s visit not only helps our team’s efficiency but also reduces the stress and anxiety your furry pal may feel while waiting.

Veterinary burnout is a significant issue that affects veterinary professionals’ well-being and the pets for whom they provide care. By showing appreciation, being understanding, and prioritizing your pet’s preventive care, you help alleviate veterinary professionals’ burnout and ensure your four-legged friend’s continued health and happiness.

If you think our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team is doing a fantastic job caring for your pet, please let us know! Your kind words mean so much to us and go a long way toward brightening our days. We can’t wait to see you and your four-legged companion for their next visit, so give us a call to schedule an appointment.