Veterinarians pour their hearts into caring for animals, but behind the scenes, their profession carries a heartbreaking reality—an alarmingly high suicide rate. Studies have shown vets face a much higher risk of suicide than the general population, making this an urgent issue that needs more attention.
It’s a bleak reality—suicide rates among veterinarians are alarmingly high. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, male vets are one and a half times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population, while female vets are nearly twice that. And it doesn’t stop there. A study funded by pet food brand Royal Canin found nearly 70% of vets have lost a colleague to suicide, and close to 60% have struggled with work-related stress, anxiety, or depression so severe they needed professional help.
Being a vet is a tough, high-stress job with mounting financial and emotional challenges. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, pet owners in the U.S. spent nearly $36 billion on veterinary care, and inflation drove prices up 10% in just one year. Yet, despite the rising costs of care, vets themselves aren’t exactly raking it in. The median salary sits just above $100,000, but with an average student debt of nearly $180,000, many struggle under the weight of loans.
To make matters worse, vet clinics are severely understaffed. The American Animal Hospital Association reports a 25% turnover rate and only one applicant for every 10 open jobs. This leaves existing staff overworked and exhausted, increasing the risk of burnout. Vets also face harassment from clients, both in person and online. Dealing with angry pet owners venting about costs, negative reviews, or even making threats can be emotionally draining. And then there’s the weight of euthanasia—having to make life-and-death decisions every day takes a serious emotional toll.
Dr. Suzanne Tomasi, a former veterinarian and now an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control, highlights a big issue—there aren’t many safeguards when it comes to medication access in vet clinics. Unlike in human medicine, where pharmacists handle prescriptions, vets are the ones both prescribing and dispensing drugs for their patients. They also usually have direct access to controlled substances, which can be a serious risk factor for suicide. A CDC study revealed poisoning is the leading cause of death among veterinarians, with pentobarbital, the euthanasia drug, being the most frequently used.
Efforts to support vets dealing with mental health struggles are growing, with more clinics offering resources for stress management and work-life balance. Along with these efforts, Not One More Vet, an organization, has been a leading force, providing peer support, online counseling, and a safe community for veterinarians who need someone to talk to. But the support doesn’t stop there—smaller support groups are also popping up in memory of vets who have lost their lives to suicide. These grassroots groups provide a place for vets to come together, share their experiences, and find healing in a tight-knit community that truly understands the unique challenges they face.
As pet owners, or parents, we all have a role to play in supporting veterinarians, not just as professionals but as people. Showing compassion, recognizing their struggles, and understanding the emotional toll their work takes can go a long way in helping them feel valued and supported. If you know a vet, or any professional in a high-stress job, check in with them and offer a listening ear. Let’s work together to ensure no one in the veterinary field, or any field, has to feel alone in their struggles.
