Addressing Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Industry

Veterinarians are driven by their love for animals and a desire to alleviate suffering. But for all their dedication, there’s an emotional cost that comes with being on the front lines of animal care every day.

 

What is compassion fatigue?

The chronic stress of caring for others can result in emotional and physical exhaustion. While burnout is related to job-related stress such as poor management or overwhelming workloads, compassion fatigue stems from repeated exposure to trauma and distress.

 

The risk factors

Veterinarians are uniquely vulnerable to compassion fatigue due to the nature of their work, which includes the following risks:

  • Having to make difficult decisions about an animal’s care, including whether to euthanise or provide treatment, can cause emotional strain.
  • Being regularly exposed to suffering, whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet or the aftermath of animal cruelty.
  • Long hours and the pressure of constant care can leave vets with little time to recharge and focus on their own well-being.

 

The symptoms

Compassion fatigue manifests in several ways, and for veterinarians, it can impact both their personal and professional lives. Some symptoms include:

  • Feeling disconnected from others, even in social or professional settings.
  • Losing interest in activities that once brought joy and fulfilment.
  • Suppressing emotions, which can lead to memory issues and anxiety.
  • Difficulty sleeping, which can have further negative effects on mental and physical health.

 

Supporting our heroes

We’ve always had a deep appreciation for the incredible work that veterinarians do. That’s why we’re launching a dedicated hotline for veterinarians experiencing compassion fatigue. This resource will connect vets with professional counselling services, offering them a safe space to talk through their experiences, emotions, and challenges.

Veterinarians give so much of themselves to care for animals, and now it’s time to care for them. We’re committed to standing by their side, offering support when they need it most.