This is the second part of a 2-part fact sheet project:
- Part 1 was Leading causes of mental distress and suicidal ideation in veterinarians, and
- This is part 2 — how we as pet owners can help make things a little easier for them.
Ways to help your vet
Use the “Download” buttons below to download the full-size image or PDF.
We can’t cure their depression or anxiety or pay their student debts for them, but we can help in other ways.
1. Be patient
Pets don’t always choose to cooperate with treatment or an emergency might have come in. Wait times come from vets and vet staff providing the best possible care to ALL pets. Account for wait times when scheduling your appointment.
2. Don’t take money problems out on vet staff
Accusing a vet of not caring because you can’t afford treatment is both distressing and unfair. Ranting at reception staff whose job it is to take your payment is never OK.
3. Get pet health insurance
Sign up for pet health insurance as soon as possible to avoid a situation where you won’t be able to pay for your pet’s care.
4. Be kind
If a mistake has been made, remember that it is never intentional. Vets are human (just like you,) and you can be sure they feel bad enough without you shaming or berating them.
5. Don’t wait till it becomes an emergency
Call the vet’s office when you first notice something is wrong and follow their advice to prevent your pet’s case from becoming an irreversible tragedy or costly emergency later.
6. Say “thank you”
Say “thank you” to everyone who made it possible for your pet to receive care: the receptionist who helped you check in and out, the kennel worker who mopped up after your pet, the assistant who brought your pet back to you, the tech who answered your questions, and the vet who examined and treated your pet.
7. Raise complaints privately
If you have a problem with your visit or bill, ask to speak to the practice manager in private. Posting a negative review is hurtful to those who worked hard to provide care for your pet.
These are available as 8×10 PNG or PDF or a series of social media posts. Use the “Download” buttons below to download the full-size images.
Preview of square social media post series:
Downloads
7 ways in which pet owners can help their veterinarians in PNG format. More details in Part 2 of 2: Ways to help your vet
Set of square social media image posts on ways to help your veterinarian, with one tip per image. More details in Part 2 of 2: Ways to help your vet
8 leading causes of suicidal ideation for veterinarians in PDF format. More details in Part 1 of 2: Leading causes of suicidal ideation for veterinarians
