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BETTERING MENTAL HEALTH WITHIN THE PROFESSION

A Resource For Veterinary Team Members

In a profession built on compassion, we must extend that same compassion to ourselves. Empathy fatigue is a real and debilitating challenge for veterinary team members. Recognizing and addressing mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity to maintain our ability to provide the highest standard of care to our patients and clients.

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Use this page to explore curated resources, find support, and check back regularly for new tools to support your mental well-being.

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Support for You

In times of need, Paisley Paws Charitable Veterinary Foundation is here to provide Crisis Support. Remember, You Are Not Alone. Reach out to our 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741 for support via text. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength. You are not alone.

The world is better with me in it.

PODCASTS

Discover inspiring podcasts that explore mental health, resilience, and personal growth for veterinary team members and beyond.

 

New podcast recommendations are added each quarter to keep this section fresh, relevant, and supportive of your ongoing mental wellness journey.

VETFOLIO VOICE

Hosted by industry professionals, this podcast offers real conversations about burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental wellness for veterinary professionals.

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THE VET RESET

The Vet Reset is a wellness-focused podcast for veterinary professionals, offering inspiring stories and practical tips to help them prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health.

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THERAPY CHAT

Covers a wide range of mental health topics including trauma, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Excellent for anyone interested in deepening emotional resilience.

One step, one breath, one day at a time.

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BOOKS

These powerful reads offer insight, support, and practical tools to help veterinary team members and animal lovers alike navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving. Whether you're coping with burnout, building resilience, or seeking a more balanced path, these books provide compassionate guidance tailored to the veterinary world.
 

Each title was selected to align with Paisley Paws’ mission to enhance the well-being of pets and the professionals who care for them—offering hope, healing, and renewed purpose along the way.

"Compassion Fatigue in the Animal-Care Community" by Charles R. Figley and Robert G. Roop

Offers strategies for coping with emotional exhaustion, secondary trauma, and how to support others in the field.

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"Mental Wellbeing and Positive Psychology for Veterinary Professionals: A Pre-emptive, Proactive and Solution-based Approach" by Laura Woodward

Authored by veterinarian and accredited counselor Laura Woodward, this book provides a practical guide to mental health and resilience tailored specifically for veterinary professionals. It introduces tools such as meditation, mindfulness, and positive psychology, supplemented with anecdotes and case studies addressing common challenges like anxiety, compassion fatigue, and burnout.

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"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb

A beautiful, insightful, and humanizing look at therapy from both the client and therapist perspective. Not vet-specific, but incredibly relatable and healing.

Hope is stronger than exhaustion.

Caring for Your Whole Self

Support for your mental, physical, emotional, and purpose-driven well-being.

Veterinary medicine can be deeply fulfilling—and incredibly demanding. Prioritizing your own well-being allows you to continue providing compassionate care to your patients, your team, and yourself. Below are strategies and reminders to help you thrive in all areas of life.

MENTAL WELL-BEING

  • Focus on small wins – Celebrate each success, no matter how small.
     

  • Set boundaries with clients – Healthy boundaries protect your energy.
     

  • Reframe setbacks – View challenges as growth opportunities.
     

  • Seek professional support – Therapy and peer groups can make a difference.

Taking care of my mind is taking care of my patients

EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL WELL-BEING

  • Build your support circle – Talk with trusted colleagues and friends.
     

  • Practice self-compassion – You don’t have to be perfect to be impactful.
     

  • Laugh with your team – Humor can be a powerful tool in tough moments.
     

  • Find joy in little moments – A tail wag, a grateful client, a deep breath.

We heal together—no one fights alone.

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

  • Fuel your body – Nourishment supports stamina and focus.
     

  • Rest with intention – Quality sleep supports emotional balance.
     

  • Move throughout the day – Stretch, walk, and breathe between appointments.
     

  • Listen to your body – Don’t ignore pain or fatigue—address it early.

I can’t pour from an empty cup—I will take care of myself.

PURPOSE-DRIVEN WELL-BEING

  • Reconnect with your ‘why’ – Reflect on why you chose this path.
     

  • Spend time with animals outside of work – Reignite joy without pressure.
     

  • Give yourself permission to rest – You’re allowed to pause.
     

  • Engage in acts of kindness – A kind word or small gesture can go a long way.

Your work changes lives—never forget the impact you make.

  SAVE A LIFE, LEND A PAW  

For a donation of $5 or more, you’ll receive a downloadable version of the Full Betterment of Mental Health: A Resource for Veterinary Team Members Booklet.

Whether you're part of a veterinary team or someone who cares deeply about one, this expanded guide is filled with veterinary-specific mental health programs and podcasts, financial assistance tools, and workplace wellness support tailored to the real challenges faced in the field.

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Make a donation and receive an email to download the guide. Offer support when it’s needed most.


Every donation helps us continue our mission to care for those who care for our pets.

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Give today and make a PAWsitive impact!

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