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Finding a mental health professional who truly understands the veterinary field can be difficult. The long hours, emotional toll, ethical stressors, and unique dynamics of vet med aren’t always familiar territory for general practitioners. That gap in understanding can make it harder to open up, harder to feel seen, and harder to get the support…

By Katie Lawlor, Psy.D., Director of NOMV’s VMHS As companion animal parents, we have an extraordinary amount of love to give, and we often find so much of our identity and joy in this role. As a result, when they pass away, we can feel deeply lost, lonely, and scared that life will never be…

By Susie Mitchell, NOMV CLEAR Program Manager Suicide is a painful reality in the veterinary profession. While veterinarians dedicate their lives to healing animals and supporting families, many quietly carry heavy burdens themselves. Studies have shown that veterinarians are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population, a truth that has shaken the…

By Gigi Tsontos, LCSW MPA PCC NOMV Executive Director September 2025 Veterinary medicine is a rewarding profession, but it is also one of the most emotionally demanding. Long hours, client pressures, financial stress, and the weight of caring for sick or dying animals contribute to high levels of burnout and mental health struggles in the…

The well-being of our veterinarians is a topic that deserves our attention. While they dedicate their lives to caring for our beloved animals, veterinarians often face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. Understanding these challenges is crucial for both veterinary professionals and the pet owners who rely on their expertise.     Understanding…

By: Susie Mitchell, MSW, CLEAR Program Manger  When a pet owner looked a veterinarian in the eye and said, “I wish you’d told me what this would cost before we got this far,” the message was clear: financial communication is just as important as medical care. Moments like this—uncomfortable yet honest—have echoed through exam rooms…

For pet owners, veterinarians are compassionate heroes who dedicate their lives to ensuring the health and well-being of animals. But behind the scenes, many veterinary professionals face significant emotional and mental health challenges, often without the support they need. Long hours, difficult cases, financial pressures, and the emotional weight of euthanasia contribute to a profession…

By Dr. Katie Lawlor, PsyD, MIA Director of Veterinary Mental Health In a field built on compassion, it’s easy to forget that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. Veterinary professionals are known for their profound empathy, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to animal care — but these very strengths can also become…

By: Kendall Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator Introduction Creating a more inclusive and supportive veterinary field begins with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The principles of DEI foster an environment where all feel welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.  Embracing DEI in the veterinary industry allows veterinary professionals…

For the better part of two decades, my hands have been dedicated to the well-being of animals. As a veterinary technician since 2008, my journey into the demanding realm of emergency care, following years in shelter medicine, has been fueled by a deep love for animals and an unwavering commitment to their families during times…