The work of veterinary professionals involves daily battles with responsibility, stress and emotions that often remain invisible to those around them. The Czech brand Brit, part of VAFO, one of Europe’s leading pet food producers, has launched the campaign “The Other Side of Veterinary Care” to highlight the hidden realities of the veterinary profession. The campaign draws on alarming data showing that burnout and long-term psychological pressure rank among the biggest risks faced by vets today.
More than 70% of Czech veterinarians feel mentally exhausted as a result of their work, two thirds experience physical fatigue (67%) and over half struggle with anxiety or stress (58%), according to an extensive survey carried out by the agency STEM-MARK among practising vets. Burnout has thus become one of the most common issues vets face in their day-to-day work, yet most have not previously spoken about it publicly. The campaign aims to open up discussion about mental health within a profession often perceived by the public only through its successes and the joy of helping animals.
“After roughly ten years in practice, I realised I was no longer coping mentally. I dealt with it, I think, in the best possible way – by building a wonderful team around me. Thanks to that, I’ve learnt to leave work with a clear head and really rest,” says Michaela Riedlová, a veterinarian with twenty-five years of experience who has joined The Other Side of Veterinary Care. The survey also found that vets in the Czech Republic work an average of 44.4 hours per week, with more than a quarter exceeding 50 hours.
A majority of veterinarians feel overwhelmed by having more tasks than they can manage, and more than half admit they have encountered unwarranted criticism from pet owners. Pressure from clients, often tied to unrealistic expectations or demands for immediate results, is one of the factors that leads to long-term psychological strain. “You can never quite detach from the job. It’s more than full time work,” adds another vet, Michal Hladík. Despite this, most respondents still see their work as a calling that fulfils their desire to help and gives their lives meaning.
The project also includes access to psychological support provided by Brit in cooperation with the online therapeutic platform Hedepy. With financial backing from Brit, vets can register on the platform free of charge, consult mental health professionals, or watch educational videos on topics such as occupational burnout, stress management and working with emotions. “Veterinarians have dedicated their lives to caring for animals, yet they too need support and understanding. Let’s help them by showing respect. Respect and empathy from pet owners can make a significant difference to their mental wellbeing,” says Dominika Čiháková, Brand Specialist at Brit. “Our aim is to highlight that the mental health of those who care for animals is just as important as the health of the patients themselves. The campaign is intended to inspire empathy and an open discussion about how we can support vets in their work,” Čiháková concludes.
The main faces of The Other Side of Veterinary Care are four experienced veterinarians: Aneta Křesalová, Karolína Tlučhořová, Michaela Riedlová and Michal Hladík. More information about the campaign, including in-depth interviews, can be found at www.druhatvarveteriny.cz
