Sit. Stay. Heal. -- Be aware of wellness
Veterinary medicine professionals and pet families alike navigate the complex emotions tied to animal care — from burnout to resilience.
For many, animals are more than companions — they are emotional anchors, confidants, and cherished family members. But just as animals can bring comfort and joy, they can also contribute to emotional strain, especially in hicgh-pressure settings like veterinary hospitals or during times of illness and loss in the home.
Veterinary medicine professionals, including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, often walk alongside families during their most vulnerable moments. They witness the unconditional bond between humans and animals, but also the emotional weight that comes with caregiving, decision-making, and, sometimes, letting go.
There is incredible beauty in this work, but also real emotional fatigue. It’s important to recognize the toll it can take — not just on professionals, but on families as well.
The double-edged sword of the human-animal bond
Caring for a pet with a chronic condition or end-of-life needs can create caregiver burden, a form of stress also seen in human health care. Pet owners may experience financial strain, exhaustion, guilt, and grief — often without the recognition or support they would receive if caring for a human loved one.
This form of disenfranchised grief — grief that isn’t socially acknowledged or validated — can complicate the healing process. People sometimes feel isolated or ashamed for mourning a pet. But grief is grief.
Veterinary teams are not immune. Long hours, moral distress, and emotional demands can lead to compassion fatigue, especially when professionals feel helpless in the face of suffering or when their efforts go unrecognized.
The positive power of pets
Despite these challenges, a growing body of research affirms the mental health benefits of the human-animal bond:
Studies show that pet ownership is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 2021 systematic review in BMC Psychiatry found that companion animals provide emotional support, routine, and a sense of purpose, particularly for individuals living with mental health conditions.
Interacting with animals has been shown to lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (a hormone associated with bonding and calm), according to research published in Frontiers in Psychology.
Animal-assisted interventions, such as therapy dog visits in hospitals or schools, have been linked to improved mood, reduced loneliness, and increased motivation for social connection and rehabilitation.
Even small moments of connection with animals — brushing a dog, watching a cat nap in a sunbeam — can remind people that joy and calm are still accessible.
Building resilience through connection and compassion
Both families and veterinary professionals can strengthen resilience — the capacity to recover and grow from difficult experiences. Key strategies include:
Social support: Talking to others who understand, whether through peer groups, mental health professionals, or compassionate care teams.
Self-compassion: Offering oneself the same kindness and forgiveness given to others.
Compassion satisfaction: Finding meaning and fulfillment in caregiving, which research shows can buffer the effects of burnout.
Coping with animals: Engaging with animals in mindful, comforting ways — whether through structured animal-assisted therapy or the natural rhythms of shared living.
Steps forward
Whether you're a pet parent facing a difficult decision, or a professional supporting others through loss, there are practical steps you can take to protect your mental well-being:
Normalize conversations about grief and stress.
Make space for emotional processing — with professionals or trusted friends.
Learn about caregiver fatigue and proactive coping skills.
Embrace the joy animals offer — as a calm, a bridge, and a source of strength.
The human-animal bond is powerful. It’s our job — as professionals, families, and communities — to care for the people who love animals, too.
Supporting wellness at the veterinary college
At the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, we’re committed to supporting the mental health of veterinary professionals and the communities they serve. Through the Wellness Memorial Fund, we fund initiatives that promote emotional well-being across the college — from student and house officer wellness rounds to social events for staff and faculty, and the creation of reflective spaces where pet owners can honor their animals.
These efforts are grounded in the belief that supporting people is central to supporting animals. Your contribution helps us foster compassion, connection, and resilience across the field of veterinary medicine.
To learn more or make a donation, visit the Wellness Memorial Fund website.
About the author: Supporting the people behind the pets
Augusta O’Reilly, MSW, LCSW, serves as the veterinary social worker at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. In this role, she supports students, house officers, and clients by offering counseling, facilitating wellness rounds, assisting with difficult cases and euthanasia discussions, and promoting mental health resources within the veterinary teaching hospital.
Veterinary social workers are trained professionals who help bridge the gap between human and animal well-being — supporting those who care for animals through advocacy, emotional support, and trauma-informed guidance. Their work ensures that both people and animals are seen, heard, and cared for during some of life’s most challenging and meaningful moments.