Your vet is often there for you during the most difficult times of your life. They comfort you at the passing of an elderly or injured animal, bring our pets back from the brink of death, laugh over our puppies, and share many important animal milestones with us.

A good vet is an essential part of our animal care, but they don’t always get the credit they deserve. When an animal dies on their watch, they feel personally responsible even if there is nothing they can do. Rude customers can strike at their hearts, and they often don’t get the credit they deserve for the work that they can do.

 This is why veterinarians and those who work in the veterinary field have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries, and they often suffer from depression and burn out. Compassion fatigue is real, and it effects our vets as well as doctors and nurses in the medical field.

Often we don’t say anything when things are going well, and only unleash our feelings when a mistake was made or something bad happened. It’s time we started taking care of our vets and supporting them the same way. You’re not powerless in the role you play with your vet. Here’s what you can do to help combat compassion fatigue.

Cheer the wins

Did your vet save your pet’s life? Did he successfully give your grumpy guy his needed vaccines and didn’t lose any fingers? Did you have a really great experience with your pet? Send a thank you note to your vet, make a call, or send along a gift to let them know you appreciate their work.

Often times your vet tends to gloss over the good moments, and let the bad moments crowd out those times. You can help, by being a voice for those good times.

Be kind during your appointment

Sometimes, a dog that came in before your pet is bumped into a room ahead of you due to its behavior. Sometimes the wait is long due to lots of emergencies that day. Even if it seems like your wait is taking forever or your being brushed aside, keep a smile on your face and be as kind as possible.

The vet staff is certainly aware that you are waiting a long time, and they’re doing their very best to help you. They will greatly appreciate the break you cut them with a smile and a good attitude.

Donate to their care fund

Many vets have a care fund set up so that when their customers can’t afford vet care, they have an option to help. If your vet has a care fund like this, donating to it may help relieve some of the stress they feel when a person needs help paying for treatment. Although this is an indirect way of helping, letting them know you are donating and why can also really help them know you care.

Your vet, and the staff as well, appreciate it when thought and care you give back to them. By offering even a small amount of support, you can help reduce your vet’s compassion fatigue, one smile at a time.