Veterinary Profession Under Pressure: Survey Reveals Shocking Client Expectations and Mental Health Struggles
The veterinary profession is facing some serious challenges, according to the results of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) annual survey, which involved over 6,900 vets across large and small animal practices. The findings have provided a sobering snapshot of the current state of the industry, with issues ranging from client expectations and bullying to the affordability of veterinary services and the mental health struggles faced by many in the field.
Key Findings from the Survey:
Client Expectations and Demands: A significant concern for the veterinary profession is the rising pressure from clients. More than a third of respondents reported experiencing harassment or bullying from clients over the past year. This has sparked a conversation about the need to better manage public perceptions and expectations regarding veterinary care.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: The survey also sheds light on the mental health challenges facing veterinary professionals. Seventeen percent of respondents reported long-term physical or mental health conditions that significantly impact their daily lives, highlighting the intense stress levels within the industry.
Workplace Wellbeing: A staggering 34% of veterinarians reported feeling harassed or bullied by clients, underscoring the emotional toll this profession can take. Many also expressed a desire for more proactive mental health and wellbeing support.
The Demand for Change
The survey results underscore the urgent need for a shift in how the veterinary profession operates, with a particular focus on improving public understanding and supporting the health of veterinarians. Many respondents indicated that the RCVS should take stronger action to:
Educate Clients: There is a clear need to better educate the public about the realities of the veterinary profession. Vets are calling for greater efforts to manage client expectations and ensure that the public understands the nature of the work and the emotional and financial costs involved.
Mental Health Support: Providing more mental health resources and wellbeing support was another common theme. With stress levels at an all-time high, many veterinary professionals are looking for better access to mental health services to help them cope with the pressures of the job.
Diversity and Inclusion: Vets are advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry to ensure a more supportive and equitable environment for all professionals.
Corporate Regulation: Respondents also called for more regulation on the corporate ownership of veterinary practices, expressing concerns over the increasing influence of corporate entities on practice operations and the care provided to animals.
The Road Ahead
RCVS Chief Executive Lizzie Lockett commented on the survey’s importance, stating that the results would be instrumental in shaping the future of the profession. "The responses we get from these surveys really do go into the foundations on which we will build our next strategic plan," she said. "We look forward now to taking some of the key learnings and suggestions forward to our next strategic plan which we are in the process of finalising and will publish early in 2025."
As the veterinary profession continues to navigate these challenges, the findings from this survey offer a clear call to action. The industry must focus on improving client education, enhancing mental health support, promoting diversity, and regulating corporate involvement to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all in the profession.
The results of the RCVS survey are a wake-up call for the veterinary profession. While the passion for animal care remains strong, the pressures and challenges facing vets are becoming more difficult to ignore. Now, more than ever, it is critical to address these issues head-on to ensure that the veterinary profession can continue to thrive, supporting both the animals we love and the professionals who care for them.
Stay tuned for the upcoming strategic plan from the RCVS in 2025, where they’ll outline concrete steps toward addressing these pressing concerns.
