Why Your Voice Matters: Join the Veterinary Well-Being Study

Oct 30

The veterinary profession is under increasing strain. Long hours, emotional burdens, high student debt, and the pressure to provide excellent care in challenging conditions make this a uniquely stressful field. Yet despite all this, we have limited data about how stress, psychological safety, resilience, and mental‑health vulnerability interact in our own profession.

That’s exactly what Dr. Gershon Alaluf’s research aims to address — and that’s why your participation is so critical.

The Stakes Are High

Here are some sobering statistics showing just how urgent this is:

In a cross-sectional study, veterinarians frequently reported stressors such as euthanasia decisions, excessive workload, overtime, and demanding client interactions as major contributors to mental health concerns. PMC
A large review found that 87.6% of veterinarians surveyed had experienced grief related to euthanasia, and many reported mild to high psychological distress, burnout, anxiety, or depression. PMC
In the U.S., more than half of veterinarians suffer from burnout; the financial cost of burnout in the veterinary profession has been estimated at $2 billion in lost revenue (for veterinarians + technicians combined). Cornell Vet School
In a well-being survey, about 50% of full-time U.S. veterinarians were classified as having high burnout scores, and 35% had low compassion satisfaction. academy.royalcanin.com
Psychological distress among veterinarians is rising: in 2021, 9.7% of respondents reported serious psychological distress (versus 6.4% in 2019). Merck Animal Health
According to mental health organizations in the veterinary community, veterinary professionals are twice as likelyto experience serious psychological distress, and 1.5× more likely to have depression than the general public. AO Foundation
Suicide rates among veterinarians are also significantly elevated: studies show veterinarians are 2–3+ times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. The Honest Talk+3AO Foundation+3PMC+3

These numbers make one thing clear: the risks are real, and they’re growing.

What This Study Can Add

Despite the data we do have, many gaps remain:

How resilience, psychological safety, and vulnerability modify how individuals experience stress in veterinary settings remains underexplored.
Few studies link biological measures (like cortisol) with survey data and personal narratives in vets.
We lack robust, profession-specific evidence to guide interventions, policy changes, and support structures tailored to our field.
Understanding which vets are most vulnerable (e.g. by career stage, practice type, demographic factors) can help target support where it’s needed most.
Hearing qualitative perspectives through interviews helps bring context and nuance to numbers — what does stress feel like? Where does it show up day-to-day?

Your input contributes directly to solutions — more than just academic insight, this work can pave the way for better policies, better mental health resources, and a stronger, more sustainable profession.

What You’ll Do & What You Gain

10-minute anonymous survey: no names attached, just your honest perspectives
Optional saliva sample: measure biomarkers like cortisol (stress hormone) — optional, but powerful
Optional interview (60 min): share your experience, your struggles, your insights — help shape veterinary wellness solutions

All data will be de-identified and aggregated. You can stop anytime without penalty.

As a participant, you help bring the veterinary community closer to real change. You’ll add your voice to a growing chorus that demands better systems, more support, and healthier careers.