What is the most difficult thing veterinary professionals deal with within their profession?

We asked our followers, “what’s the most difficult thing that you have to deal with at work?” and collected some responses for this infographic.

We know that working in a veterinary practice it’s gratifying, but it isn’t easy. We aim to show the positive and not so good sides of working in this field because we believe that a community can make us feel supported and understood. 

What is the most difficult thing veterinary professionals deal with within their profession?

1) Euthanasia: not everything is healthy cute puppies and kittens, and sometimes the best choice is to put a pet down… Euthanasia never gets easier. 

2) Dismissive clients: demanding clients who do not take your advice and rely on Dr. Google.  

3) Not enough co-workers: for some vet clinics is very hard to fit a schedule that suits everyone due to the amount of work, and that’s one of the reasons that many staff members get burned out.

4) Neglected and abused animals: it’s heartbreaking to think about all the suffering that these animals have gone through. Thankfully the veterinary team and rescues do their best to help and save them.

5) Toxic work environment: no one likes to get up in the morning and dread to go to work because of the one “who must not be named.”

6) Losing a patient while in recovery or under anesthesia: there’s a small risk that this could happen (0.05 to 0.1% for healthy pets and around 1-2% for sick dogs and cats), but when it does, it’s hard to forget.