Veterinarians in New Zealand face challenges due to their pet parents’ emotional behaviour, especially when the pets’ health is at a critical stake.
“A veterinary clinic is often a highly emotionally charged environment. We have patients who can’t talk, who are often very unwell or badly injured and may be very scared, so they are
potentially displaying challenging behaviours. Their owner is scared, too, with their own intense emotions clouding their ability to communicate well. It can be a very turbulent environment,” said Dr Cath Watson, Chair of Healthy Pets NZ.
Watson emphasises the importance of vets practising self-care during challenging times and the need for clear and frequent communication with clients regarding costs, stating that financial discussions are much more manageable when clients have pet insurance.
“Aside from worrying about their pets, clients may be coping with external stressors such as financial, employment, relationship, and health issues. It may also be they have experienced a long wait, a larger bill than expected or the loss of a pet, and that frustration or anguish can cause them to lash out at clinic staff,” added Rhea Hurley, Canine Health and Welfare Officer at Dogs NZ.
Experiencing such situations can be tricky, and seeking professional insights on handling such situations can be beneficial. Some veterinary staff value debriefing with their teams.
Despite this intense pressure, the shortage of workers, and the rising costs and long hours associated with the profession, the country’s animal health practices are doing well.
A recent survey conducted by PD Insurance found that 76 percent of the research participants did not have difficulty booking an appointment with a vet over the past year.
“We know vets deeply care for animals – for most, that’s why they enter their profession – and they are doing everything possible to provide their best care in a stressful working environment,” said Michelle Le Long, COO of PD Insurance.
However, veterinarians are still on the long-term skill shortage list on the NZ Immigration site due to the understaffed clinics, increased wait times and the rise of pet parents since the pandemic.
Pet parents must be patient and realise that veterinarians have joined the profession because they love animals. If they have genuine concerns, they need to communicate constructively.
