I’ve always loved animals. Like so many of us in the veterinary, training, and behaviour fields, my career started with a simple passion—helping pets live happier, healthier lives. But there’s a truth that many of us struggle to admit: working with animals can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Burnout in pet care professions isn’t just about long hours or demanding clients; it’s about the emotional toll of constantly caring for creatures that depend on us, often in life-or-death situations. Whether it’s veterinarians making impossible decisions, dog trainers working tirelessly to rehabilitate anxious or aggressive dogs, or behaviour specialists seeing the same heartbreaking cases of neglect and fear over and over again, the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming.
The Emotional Toll
One of the hardest parts of working in this industry is the emo
tional rollercoaster. We experience incredible highs—helping a scared rescue dog learn to trust again, seeing a sick pet recover, or witnessing the deep bond between animals and their humans. But we also go through gut-wrenching lows—the euthanasias, the abuse cases, the pets that just can’t be saved no matter how hard we try.
Compassion fatigue is real. It creeps up on us slowly, making the work that once felt rewarding start to feel heavy. We find ourselves withdrawing, numbing our emotions, or feeling angry when faced with yet another emergency or difficult case.
The Physical Strain
Anyone who thinks working with pets is just cuddling cute animals is in for a rude awakening. Vet techs are on their feet for hours, lifting heavy animals and dealing with injuries that come with the job. Dog trainers work long days, often outdoors, dealing with dogs that might lunge, bite, or resist training. Behaviour
ists have to juggle endless client consultations, each with its own unique challenges. The physical demands alone can leave us exhausted, but combined with emotional stress, it’s no wonder burnout is so common in our field.
How Do We Cope?
Burnout can feel like an inescapable cycle, but it doesn’t have to define us. Here’s what I’ve learned about managing stress in the pet care world:
- Set boundaries – It’s okay to say no to work that drains you. Not every client or case is worth sacrificing your mental health.
- Lean on your colleagues – No one understands our struggles better than those who do this work. Finding a support system makes a huge difference.
- Take breaks – Easier said than done, right? But stepping away—even for a short time—can help you regain perspective and reconnect with your passion.
- Seek professional help – Therapy, coaching, or even just a trusted mentor can be a lifeline when burnout starts creeping in.
Rediscovering the Passion
At the end of the day, I remind myself why I started. Working with animals is a gift. The unconditional love, the transformations we witness, the lives we save—they’re the reasons we push through the hard times. Burnout is real, but it’s not the end. It’s a sign to pause, reset, and remind ourselves that we matter too.
If you work with animals and feel like you’re drowning, you’re not alone. Take care of yourself the way you take care of them.
