You rely on the vet for your pet’s care as a pet owner. Many vets struggle to care for themselves. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 6 veterinarians may have considered suicide since graduating. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also revealed that veterinarians were more likely than other people to experience psychiatric disorders such as depression. The veterinary profession is well aware of this problem.
Heather Loenser DVM is the veterinary advisor for professional and public relations at the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ron Del Moro Ph.D. is a licensed clinician at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals. If this news surprises you, it’s nothing new to him. Del Moro says that everyone is aware, but few people talk about it.
We’re going to discuss it. These are the most common issues faced by veterinarians and how you can thank your vet throughout the year.
1. Veterans are perfectionists
I don’t personally know of any veterinarians who aren’t perfectionists. They’re probably out there. Loenser says, “I just don’t have any idea who they are.”
The veterinary medicine field is highly competitive. Admission to the 30 veterinary schools in the United States is competitive. After graduation, vets still have the same competitive and intelligent traits that got them into school.
You have people that are highly intelligent, perfectionists and driven. They want to fix problems for everyone. Del Moro says, “It’s not an easy job.” Many veterinarians find it difficult to face the fact that their minds often get in the middle of saving animals who are still alive.
2. Veterans are human too
It can be difficult for pet owners to not see their vet as a superhero. He or she is the one who cures illnesses and treats your pet when it’s sick. It’s also important to keep in mind that veterinarians are human beings. Vets are human too, and they make mistakes.
Loenser says that failure is not something with which we are familiar. When things go bad in a legal case, there’s a result that you didn’t expect or hoped wouldn’t occur. But it happens. This is really difficult for us. It hurts our souls.
3. You can handle Euthanasia procedures
Veterinarians are often faced with the heartbreaking decision of ending a pet’s life. Loenser states that some veterinarians are better at this task than others.
Some people see this as an alternative to letting an animal suffer from a chronic illness. “In that case you are truly reducing suffering,” says she. Other veterinarians do not see it in that light. “They take it personally when an animal must be put down.”
4. You Can Deal with Small Business Stress
Most vets own their businesses, which comes with many stresses, such as managing employees, paying rent, or dealing with tax issues.
“Veterinary Schools are improving in their teaching of basic business management to schools. Loenser says that some veterinarians have MBAs. But that is not yet the norm. There’s room in veterinary school to teach us better how to run businesses.
5. Vets Deal with Unreasonable Customers
Loenser, as well as Del Moro, both confirmed that interacting with pet owners who are unreasonable is one of the more stressful aspects of a vet’s job.
Del Moro says, “You can never satisfy clients who have doctors doing their best with what they know.” Del Moro acknowledges the strong bonds that pet owners share with their pets, making interactions between veterinarians and clients emotional.
Del Moro says, “First of all, you should try to understand the situation that your doctor is in and what it’s like for them. Del Moro says, “Whatever news you receive,” he adds. People forget [vets] also have feelings. The vets are also affected. The same reason they chose this career was because of their love for animals. “No one wants to watch an animal suffer.”
6. Veterans have high student loan debt
Most vets are saddled with high debts. According to a recent study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, an average veterinarian leaves school with a debt of $153,191 for student loans. Vets can struggle to pay off this debt.
7. Veterans are paid a low salary
Vets are often faced with low salaries when they first start out, in addition to the mountain of debt that comes from veterinary school. The average starting salary for a small animal veterinary practitioner is roughly $70,000 according to the AVMA https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-First-year-employment.aspx. Although that may not seem like a low starting salary, you might find it difficult to achieve your goals such as paying off debt or buying a house at this level.
Loenser says that “Even though we veterinarians aren’t in this profession for money, it is frustrating for me and my colleagues to see how other professionals have more freedom and stuff than us.”
Ways You Can Help
It’s vital to let your veterinarian know how much you appreciate his or her efforts. These are some simple, but impactful ways to show your veterinarian that you care.
Thank You
You don’t have to spend a lot to express your gratitude. Just saying “thank you” is enough.
Loenser says, “Saying thank you in person is always nice.” Some people may think that we do not need to be told that. But it’s always nice.
Flowers, cards, and food are also nice gift ideas.
You can donate to charity in your vet’s name
Loenser tells us that many veterinary hospitals have charitable funds or memorial funds to honor animals and employees who have died. Consider donating to these organizations in the name of your veterinarian. There are also funds at many vet schools that help those in need. One client did it.
They gave me a donation in my name to help take care of the animal. Loenser says, “That was huge for me.”
Financial Transparency is Important
We try our best to provide accurate estimations. Loenser says, “Feel free to discuss them with us.” When you check out, make sure you are not angry and surprised.
You must pay your bills on time
If you fail to make payments on time, many veterinary clinics are small businesses and may struggle to cover their costs (including salaries for all the wonderful technicians that have treated your pet). On-time payment is important if you are on a repayment plan. It can help build goodwill between your veterinarian and yourself.
Posting a Positive Reaction on Social Media
You can tell the world about your veterinarian’s stellar service by posting on Yelp.com, Google or Facebook.
Loenser says that posting a positive review is very important to him. We love positive feedback. And we all benefit when you direct other pet owners to a good vet.
Keep an Open Mind to Suggestions
Loenser says that motivated pet parents will research the condition before coming to a veterinarian’s office. What you read may not be the most effective solution. If pet parents don’t listen to veterinarians’ advice, they can cause problems. She enjoys speaking to people who do their homework because it saves her time. If you have been using a remedy you discovered on the Internet but are not having any success, you should listen to your veterinarian.
Take Recommendations
Follow the treatment plan given by your vet.
“We feel heard. This is what we’re telling you because your pets are important to us. Loenser says, “We believe in the recommendations we make.
Tell your veterinarian if you are not comfortable with the treatment plan, or if it is too expensive for you. He or she will then recommend an alternative plan.
Arrive On Time
Loenser says, “It’s not hard to fall behind when people are late.” Remember that even if you arrive on time, other patients may not be as prompt. Be aware that your vet might have seen another pet who required a lot of time. Pets with severe illnesses are given priority over those who have broken toenails, or any other condition.
Being grateful to your vet will be easier if you respect his or her time, schedule and are understanding when he/she is called away for an urgent situation.