LettersVets save our pets: who’s saving them?

The risk of suicide among veterinarians is 3.5 times higher than in the general population, shows a study in the United States. Many around the globe are mourning the loss of high-profile veterinarians who have died by suicide. The “Not One More Vet” (NOMV) movement launched in 2014 has about 25,000 members globally. Many vets frame their Facebook profile photo with an “NOMV” sticker to express their desperation for immediate action to improve the mental health of peers.

Although many factors contribute to vets’ stress and misery, one main reason is clients’ oversimplification of the complexity of the medical services they provide. I am a postgraduate student researching vets’ mental health, and veterinarians have shared with me their distress at being accused of “in it for the money”, and at the lack of appreciation for their extensive knowledge, competence and passion for helping animals and pet owners.

The misconceptions deepening the distrust between vets and pet owners may lead to the lack of continuity with regard to seeing the same vet, thus creating possible barriers to accessing the full medical history of animal patients and reduced quality of medical care.

Not only has ongoing research at our university found that the infamous vet-hopping is made convenient in Hong Kong as veterinary clinics are located near each other, during the Covid-19 pandemic, increased pet surrenders and euthanasia have been taking an emotional toll on animal lovers like veterinarians.

While it is true that a part of veterinary medicine involves petting fluffy animals, it is often forgotten that a vet is not just the hero who provides medical services and saves the lives of our beloved furry family members, but also someone who smiles and cries with us through speedy recoveries or the loss of our pets. Improving their mental health deserves immediate action and attention.