They Save Our Pets — But At What Cost? A Call for Kindness This World Veterinary Day
From compassion fatigue to a rise in client abuse, Australia’s veterinary professionals are at a breaking point. This World Veterinary Day, we explore the 'Little Things' that can save the people who save our pets.
As the world prepares to recognise World Veterinary Day this Saturday, April 25, 2026, the spotlight is shifting away from the clinical and toward the human. While this year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlights their critical role in our global systems, a more urgent conversation is happening behind the consult room doors: the mental and emotional well-being of those who care for our pets.
Behind the steady hands and calm voices, many Australian veterinary professionals are struggling under a weight that is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
Speaking this week on 3AW Breakfast, Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian Dr Jessica Wilde warned that the public perception of the profession is often a myth.
“It’s not just hugging puppies. People see the fluff, but they don't see the dark side of the industry.” — Dr. Jessica Wilde, Lort Smith Chief Vet.
The Internal Burden: Compassion Fatigue
For those in the industry, the work doesn't stay at the clinic. Melbourne-based veterinary nurse and photographer Bree Colenso has seen this first-hand after more than a decade in the field, including oncology.
“People often only see the clinical side of what we do,” Bree says. “But so much of it is emotional. You’re sitting with families through diagnosis, treatment, hope, and sometimes loss.”
“You don’t just walk away from those moments. You carry them.”
From emergency trauma to long-term illness journeys, veterinary teams absorb the fear and heartbreak of the people in front of them. “And then you go onto the next patient, and the next. There’s not always space to process it,” Bree explains.
Dr Wilde echoed this sentiment, pointing out that veterinarians are frequently required to treat critically ill animals while simultaneously “counselling” their owners through acute trauma.
The External Pressure: A Rise in Abuse
While the internal emotional toll is heavy, a new and darker pressure is emerging from the other side of the counter. At North Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit veterinary hospitals, staff are reporting a concerning escalation in aggressive behaviour from clients.
Driven by
Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian, Dr Jessica Wilde, notes that the deep emotional connection people have with their pets can create a "perfect storm" when paired with financial strain.
“Melbourne families love their pets—they’re part of the family—so when something goes wrong, emotions run high,” Dr Wilde says.
“We understand that people are under financial pressure right now. But abuse towards veterinary staff is never acceptable.”
A Profession at the Breaking Point
The statistics are sobering. Veterinarians are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population—equating to one Australian vet taking their own life approximately every 12 weeks.
“We’re seeing fewer people entering and staying in the profession due to the pressures; from compassion fatigue through to unrealistic expectations and workplace stress,” Dr Wilde says. “This is not sustainable.”
She told 3AW that the industry is reaching a “breaking point,” with the emotional struggles now acting as a significant barrier for new people wanting to enter the field.
Turning Awareness Into Action: The Power of "Little Things"
The campaign illustrates a simple truth: a vet sitting in her car after a gruelling 12-hour shift, mulling over the day's hard decisions, finds a small paper bag on her windscreen. Inside is a chocolate bar and a note: “For all you do that we don’t see. For every gentle touch and every hopeful moment. Thank you.”
That small smile makes the weight of the day a little easier to carry. This World Veterinary Day, Sophie’s Legacy is asking the community to turn these small gestures into something lasting—a gift of $33 to help save the people who save our animals.
How You Can Help
As we head into the ANZAC long weekend—a time for reflection and gratitude—, Pet Insurance Australia, Lort Smith, and Sophie’s Legacy are calling on the community to play a role in creating safer, more compassionate clinic environments.
Donate: Support the "Little Things" campaign with a $33 donation to Sophie’s Legacy to fund mental health resources for the industry.
Support: Bree Colenso’s initiative through Bree Ruby Photography is offering discounted sessions for vet professionals throughout April, with proceeds going to Not One More Vet (NOMV).
Practice Kindness: As Dr. Wilde reminds us, a moment of patience during a long wait can be the difference between a staff member going home feeling valued, or going home feeling defeated.
“Behind every consultation is a person who genuinely cares,” adds PIA spokesperson Nadia Crighton.
“World Veterinary Day is a reminder that supporting our vets isn’t just about recognising their skills, it’s about recognising their wellbeing, too.”
“A small moment of patience or kindness can be the difference between a staff member going home feeling valued, or going home feeling defeated.” — Dr. Jessica Wilde
