Nearly half of UK vets contemplate leaving sector, survey warns
A new survey has highlighted a growing crisis in the UK veterinary sector, with nearly half of veterinarians contemplating leaving the profession due to mounting mental health pressures. The report, published by animal health company Zoetis, reveals that 75% of UK vets have taken time off because of work-related mental health struggles, underscoring the need for urgent, systemic reform to address the sector’s retention challenges.
The increasing demand for veterinary services—fueled by rising pet ownership, food safety concerns in livestock, and the emergence of new zoonotic diseases—has placed considerable strain on the veterinary workforce. Despite the growing global demand for veterinary care, nearly 48% of UK vets report having thought about leaving the profession. Additionally, 78% of vets believe that urgent reform is necessary to ensure the profession’s future sustainability.
The findings suggest that the mental health crisis in veterinary medicine is not due to inherent flaws in the profession's resilience, but rather stems from structural, cultural, and economic pressures within the workplace. Dr. Stephanie Armstrong, a veterinarian and regional president at Zoetis, stressed the importance of addressing these systemic issues to improve retention. “Addressing retention in the veterinary field requires looking beyond individual well-being to systemic factors,” Armstrong said. “By fostering better work environments and providing support, we can help ensure that veterinarians continue to provide vital services to our communities.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to improve workplace culture. Dr. Rob Williams, junior vice president of the BVA, noted that data from the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that workplace culture is a significant contributor to the retention issue.
The Zoetis white paper calls for reform in three key areas:
Flexible Working Models: Zoetis recommends the introduction of smarter shift patterns, greater use of technology to reduce workloads, and expanded roles for veterinary nurses to ease the burden on veterinarians.
Adapting to Client Expectations: With rising client demands, veterinarians are under pressure to deliver both high-quality care and excellent customer service. The report advocates for better communication training, enhanced digital tools, and increased support for managing emotionally difficult client interactions.
Broadening the Professional Pipeline: The veterinary workforce is currently 96% white, 29% privately educated, and predominantly female. Zoetis emphasizes the importance of diversifying recruitment efforts to ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability and to expand access to veterinary careers.
The findings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing UK veterinarians and the urgent need for structural changes within the profession to safeguard its future.
