I absolutely love my job. I always wanted to be a vet and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. But like many of my peers, I have struggled through this career. It is something that many of us are familiar with, but the magnitude of this problem is unacceptable. Suicide rates among veterinary professionals are alarming and the industry is in crisis. Client abuse, threats, outstanding payments and debts, unrealistic expectations, toxic workplaces… all while immersed in the illness and suffering of innocent creatures, can be unbearable.
There is no Medicare for pets, so the costs of medical care fall on the owner. This is not the vet’s fault. Medical care, expertise, equipment, and overheads cost money. Considering the extent of education that vets undertake, their financial compensation for the level of expertise they provide doesn’t even come close to what human medical professionals receive. As medical professionals, vet and vet nurse wages are pitiful.
Vets have dedicated their life to helping sick animals, which on its own is emotionally taxing. We give so much of our time and energy, going the extra mile, unpaid, staying back late at night, giving discounts… trying to do the right thing for the animals. But instead, we are accused by pet owners for ripping people off, being heartless or being told that they will sue us, destroy us or kill us if anything happens to their pet.
Client abuse and negative interactions are major contributors to poor mental health of vets and veterinary staff. Spread the message, be kind to yourself, be kind to others.
