VETERINARY HUMANS is an initiative that focuses on community rather than the individual self.

Self-care can only get us so far. Humanity thrives on community and connection, yet the veterinary industry is in a deficit. The longevity of our career depends on a perspective shift! We cannot carry on, being desensitized to our basic needs. When we choose community, we let go of individualism, the “every man for themself” ideology. When we seek interdependence, we foster safety for showing vulnerability, for leaning on one another, for sharing the work-induced burden of our veterinary work loads.

Despite the posters all over your clinic that discuss strategies for minimizing & managing stress, I find it moot, because our jobs are inevitably stressful. What good is a coping strategy if we’re not comfortable using it in the moment due to an unsupportive work environment.

VETERINARY HUMANS is our gentle reminder that above all, we’re human first.

Start the conversation with a colleague and if/when you have the emotional & mental bandwidth, let someone lean on you. While they put their patients, clients, doctors and co-workers first, be their reminder. Help instill some humanity back into their moment, day, week and see what happens.

You don’t have to do this alone.