Veterinarians Observe A Worrying Shift In Owner Behaviour.

Working closely with our veterinary teams has been a profound experience, revealing their immense skill and dedication. These professionals are not only highly skilled and high-functioning, but they also possess an extraordinary sensitivity and compassion.

I hold them in the highest regard for their unwavering commitment to healing their patients. In particular, their work with street dogs, who often present with complex, long-standing conditions, is nothing short of remarkable. They consistently go above and beyond to treat and rehabilitate these animals, giving them a chance at a better life.

However, there are times when, despite their best efforts, they are unable to save a patient. These moments are deeply devastating for the entire team.

Being in close proximity to them, I have witnessed their grief and frustration in private, a side of veterinary care that pet owners rarely see.

It is in these moments that the true emotional toll of their work becomes apparent, highlighting their dedication and the emotional investment they make in every case.

In recent years, veterinarians have observed a worrying shift in owner behaviour.

While many of us manage to stay composed during challenging moments, veterinarians report an increase in feelings of intimidation due to clients' language or behaviour.

This change in dynamics can create an increasing stressful environment for veterinarians, who are dedicated to providing the best care for animals.

It's important for both pet owners and veterinarians to maintain respectful and understanding communication to ensure the well-being of the animals they both care about.

But what happens when tempers flare & respectful relationships break down?

Mexico April 2025

A distressing incident unfolded at a clinic in Durango, following the passing of a cherished pug.

Overcome with grief, the heartbroken owner lashed out at the attending veterinarian.

In a moment of emotional turmoil, she seized the veterinarian by the hair and began to drag her. The situation escalated quickly, prompting male colleagues to step in and defuse the confrontation.

The unsettling event left the clinic staff deeply shaken and concerned for their personal safety.

United Kingdom Jan 2024

A York veterinarian was subjected to a punishment beating by pet owner Arbaz Hamza Hamid after the unfortunate death of an XL Bully at the clinic.

The dog had been brought in for surgery, which was offered to potentially save its life, albeit with a survival prediction of one in five.

Following the dog's passing, Hamid, who was present at the clinic with four other individuals, confronted veterinarian Stephen Stead. An altercation ensued during which Hamid became aggressive and punched Stead in the face.

Turkey July 2024

A disagreement occurred between veterinarian Ali Ozen and a customer over 45 lira, equivalent to 83p.

Words were exchanged, and the customer left.

However, a little later, the customer returned with friends who assaulted Ali Ozen so severely that they broke his nose. They dragged him out onto the street before the police arrived.

Following the assault, the veterinarian has been dealing with anxiety.

Veterinary professionals are facing increasing challenges not only within clinical settings but also in the digital realm.

According to a report by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) on April 30, 2022, a significant number of vets have encountered online abuse. The most prevalent form of this abuse comes in the guise of unfair reviews, affecting 90% of those surveyed. Additionally, 46% have faced abusive language, 33% have been victims of trolling, and 31% have suffered from online harassment.

To combat these issues, the Respect Your Vet Team toolkit has been developed. This toolkit provides a variety of resources designed to support veterinary staff in safeguarding themselves and mitigating the occurrence and effects of client abuse.

Among these resources are practical tips for protecting against online abuse, downloadable posters and graphics that promote respectful interactions, and a series of informative blogs addressing these critical topics.

Furthermore, there is a helpline available around the clock, every day of the year, dedicated to assisting vets who are struggling with online abuse.

Is society becoming more stressed, less tolerant & more abusive generally?

The perception of declining tolerance is a multifaceted issue, influenced by various dynamics.

Social media plays a significant role, often amplifying divisive opinions and creating echo chambers where people are less exposed to differing viewpoints.

Additionally, the stress levels in society have risen, potentially leading to decreased patience and understanding.

Political polarization further complicates the landscape, as people may become more entrenched in their beliefs, reducing room for open dialogue and acceptance.

However, it's crucial to recognize that tolerance is inherently subjective. Different individuals have varying thresholds for what they consider acceptable, meaning that what might seem intolerant to one person could be perfectly reasonable to another.

I hope that moving forward, we see a decrease in the abuse directed at veterinarians.

It's concerning that such behaviour might deter people from pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, especially considering the stress inherent in the profession.

Fewer individuals might be inclined to join this field if the abuse continues, which could have significant repercussions on animal healthcare.

It's essential to foster a supportive environment for veterinarians, ensuring they feel respected and safe in their roles.