Work-Life Balance
A guide to work-life balance in the veterinary industry
The veterinary industry is full of exceptional individuals, DVM’s, technicians, veterinary nurses, assistances, receptionists… who give so much of themselves every day. But you are not a limitless resource. You deserve balance. You deserve rest. You deserve to have a life outside the hospital that brings you joy and replenished your energy.
This blog is for you - the veterinary professional who wants to feel fulfilled in their work and at peace in their personal life. Below, we’ll explore what makes this career so uniquely challenging, how to spot when you’re out of alignment, and most importantly, practical and realistic strategies to help you regain your footing and build a healthier, more sustainable life.
The veterinary profession is deeply rewarding, but we know it also comes with emotion, physical, and mental demands that can easily tip the scale of work-life balance. Long hours, emotional fatigue, financial pressures, and the high-stakes nature of medicine which often mean’s personally well-being takes a back seat. Behind the heartwarming success stories and life-saving procedures lies a more complex reality.
It’s easy to fall into the mindset that being constantly busy is a badge of honour, especially in veterinary medicine, where there’s always another patient to see, another colleague who needs support, another shift to cover. Many of us pride ourselves on being “the one who always shows up” no matter the personal cost. But when overwork becomes a pattern, it tops being noble and starts being harmful.
Chronic stress and unrelenting pressure can quietly erode even the most passionate professional. Over time leading to burnout, depersonalization, and even a loss of passion for the work you once loved.
Veterinary professions are known for their compassion and commitment but in that same compassion, if not protected, can leave you emotionally depleted. Burnout doesn’t just look like exhaustion. It can show up as irritability with clients or colleagues, dread for the next shift, feeling emotional numb, or even questioning your competency.
Behind the scenes, many of us carry an indivisible burden. The emotional weight of euthanasia decisions, compassion fatigue, client interactions, and a never-ending caseload is definitely overwhelming. According to industry surveys, veterinary professionals report higher rates of burnout and mental health struggles than many other professions.
Common Stressors:
Long shifts and unpredictable hours.
Emotional toll of patient loss and client grief.
Financial strain from student debt.
Client pressures.
Guilt or resistance around taking time off.
Signs You Might Be Out Of Balance:
You constantly feel tired, even after sleep.
You dread going to work - even on days you’re not scheduled.
You’re more impatient, withdrawn, or cynical than usual.
You’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed.
You find it difficult to “switch off” even outside of work.
Recognizing these signs early can give you the chance to course-correct before you reach burnout. If you’re already there, know that recovery is possible - and you’re not alone. Support is available, and small steps forward can make a big difference.
Benefits Of Better Balance:
Improved mental health and resilience
Greater job satisfaction and retention
Stronger relationships outside of work
Reduced risk of burnout and compassion fatigue
Be present and focused with your patients and clients
Make more thoughtful clinical decisions
Support your team effectively
Maintain your passion for the profession long-term
Neglecting your well-being doesn’t just impact you, it affects your patients, your co-workers, the quality of care you provide and your personal life. A common mistake is balance isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what matters most with clarity, energy, and sustainability.
Strategies For Achieving Better Balance:
1. Set Boundaries & Stick To Them
Create a clear end to your workday.
Say “no” when needed - to extra shifts, weekend consults, or emotional overextension.
2. Start Strong - New Roles
When you’re starting a new job, it’s the perfect time to shape how you’ll work moving forward. Early conversations around boundaries, availability, and work style can prevent misunderstandings and stress later.
Be clear about your working hours and communication preferences.
Ask how emergencies and overtime are handled.
Set realistic exceptions for caseload and workflow early on.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
Schedule regular mental health check-ins.
Consider therapy, counselling, support groups or apps designed for veterinary professions. (It’s important to not wait for burn-out to get support!)
4. Find Joy In The Small Moments
Practice gratitude journaling, mindfulness, or brief walks during breaks. (Remind yourself why you work in this industry)
Celebrate all the wins, no matter how small - examples.. a smooth surgery or a kind client comment.
5. Invest In Hobbies & Social Life
Reconnect with passions outside of the hospital - art, sports, reading, volunteering…
Maintain relationships with people who recharge you.
6. Leverage Team Support
Delegate tasks when appropriate.
Foster a culture of mutual care and open communication in the workplace.
Helpful Resources To Explore:
Not One More Vet (NOMV)
A non-profit focused on mental wellness in the veterinary community, offering confidential peer support, crisis resources, education, and grants for mental health care. NOMV lifeboat is a peer-to-peer support group on Facebook with thousands of members.
The VIN Foundation- Vets4Vets
A confidential support network for veterinarians and vet students. One-on-one mentoring, peer-to-peer support, and help navigating personal or professional challenges.
https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/
AVMA Wellbeing Resources
American Veterinary Medical Association’s wellbeing hub. Offering mental health tools, self-assessments, podcasts, and suicide prevention resources. Includes access to the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing
Apps & Digital Tools
Headspace for Healthcare: Free headspace access for eligible healthcare providers, including some veterinary professionals.
Talkspace / BetterHelp: Online therapy options for ongoing support (some employers may offer discounts or reimbursement).
Vet Mental Health App (UK): Mobile app offering mindfulness tools and coping strategies for veterinary workers.
Helplines and Crisis Support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
Call or Text: 988
24/7 free and confidential emotional support. Not specific to veterinarians but vital in crisis.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (US)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Substance abuse and mental health services administration. Free, 24/7 treatment referral and information.
VDS Support (Veterinary Defence Society, UK)
Offers wellbeing support services for UK Veterinary professionals including mental health support, coaching, and resilience resources.
Veterinary work is meaningful, but you’re more than your job. Creating a sustainable career means making space for rest, connection, and joy. You deserve it - and so do the animals and people who count on you.