Vet urges pet owners to understand the hidden emotional toll behind providing animal health care

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September 1, 2025, 1:16 PM

• •Veterinarians experience high rates of burnout and mental health challenges.
• •The profession faces staffing shortages and increased demand for services.
• •Moral stress arises from financial limitations affecting pet care.
• •The book aims to foster understanding and empathy between pet owners and vets.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk's new book, "A Compassionate Calling," explores the emotional and practical challenges veterinarians face, including high rates of burnout and mental health issues. The book highlights the 'paradox of compassionate work,' where the same connections that bring joy also cause distress, especially with the increasing workload and financial constraints faced by vets. The veterinary profession struggles with staffing shortages and increased demand, while also dealing with moral stress due to financial limitations. Holowaychuk aims to foster empathy between pet owners and veterinary professionals to ensure the well-being of vets is valued as much as the care they provide.

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