Most dog lovers would agree—our pets are family. In fact, nearly 90% of pet owners say they see their animals as beloved members of the household. But while we cherish our dogs as companions, few of us fully understand the emotional and ethical weight that comes with caring for them from the other side of the exam table.
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, a veterinary specialist with over two decades of experience, wants to change that.
In her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, Dr. Holowaychuk opens the door to a profession that, while rooted in compassion, faces alarming levels of burnout, mental health challenges, and emotional strain.
“It’s a profession built on immense compassion and skill,” she writes, “but also one that requires deep resilience.”
When Compassion Becomes a Double-Edged Sword
Many veterinarians describe their love for animals—and the chance to care for them—as the most rewarding part of their job. But as Dr. Holowaychuk explains, this same emotional connection can also become a source of pain.
Researchers call it the paradox of compassionate work: the relationships that bring veterinarians joy can also lead to distress, especially when outcomes are tragic, or when financial barriers prevent the best possible care.
“It underscores the complexity of working in a profession where that which brings joy also represents one of the greatest sources of sorrow,” says Dr. Holowaychuk.
The Strain Behind the Smiles
The veterinary profession is facing some of its toughest challenges in recent history. Emergency clinics across North America and the UK are struggling to stay open due to staffing shortages. The surge in pet ownership during the pandemic only intensified an already-overwhelmed system.
In addition to long hours and high-pressure decision-making, vets often experience moral stress. Unlike human medicine, veterinary care isn’t covered by universal healthcare, meaning treatment choices are often limited by what a pet owner can afford.
“Veterinary professionals are often left navigating these morally ambiguous and ethically challenging scenarios,” Dr. Holowaychuk explains,“which contribute to the rising levels of psychological distress within the profession.”
The Cost of Burnout
Burnout in veterinary medicine isn’t just personal—it’s also systemic. Dr. Holowaychuk cites research showing that burnout costs the profession an estimated $2 billion per year in lost productivity and staff turnover.
Despite this, many vets are reluctant to take time off or seek help. Stigma around mental health remains strong in the field.
“Veterinarians and other caregiving professionals have an ethical duty to take care of themselves,” Dr. Holowaychuk emphasizes.
What Pet Owners Can Do
So, what can you—as a dog owner—do to support the people who care for your four-legged family member?
Start with empathy.
Dr. Holowaychuk hopes her book helps pet owners see their veterinary teams as whole people—not just service providers. That means being patient during busy times, understanding the emotional strain they may be under, and recognizing that tough decisions are often made under difficult circumstances.
“My hope is that this book not only fosters empathy for veterinarians,” she says, “but also inspires a future where their well-being is valued just as much as the care they provide.”
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a veterinarian, wellness advocate, and international speaker dedicated to transforming the culture of veterinary medicine. A board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, she brings over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, academia, and consulting. Having personally faced burnout and compassion fatigue, she now focuses on promoting mental health, resilience, and sustainable careers in the veterinary profession.
Marie is the founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine, where she offers resources on self-care, communication, and workplace wellbeing. She is a certified coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and hosts the Reviving Vet Med Podcast. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Dr. Holowaychuk helps veterinary professionals build fulfilling, meaningful careers—while encouraging pet owners to see the humans behind the scrubs.
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