They Save Our Pets — But At What Cost?

World Veterinary Day 2026 shines a light on the hidden pressures facing Australia’s veterinary professionals

 As the world prepares to recognise World Veterinary Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Pet Insurance Australia is calling attention to a side of the profession that is often overlooked: the mental and emotional well-being of those who care for our pets.

This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” Highlights the critical role veterinarians play across animal welfare, food safety, and biosecurity. From farm to family home, veterinarians help protect animal health and the safety of the food systems we rely on.

But behind the scenes, many veterinary professionals are struggling under the weight of their work.

In moments of heartbreak, uncertainty, and emergency, vets and veterinary nurses are the steady hands guiding pet owners through some of life’s most emotional experiences. They deliver diagnoses, perform life-saving procedures, and support families through loss, often while carrying that emotional burden themselves.

A Growing Mental Health Crisis in the Veterinary Industry

The veterinary profession is facing increasing rates of burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression, driven by long hours, emotional strain, and the constant exposure to grief.

Melbourne-based veterinary nurse and photographer Bree Colenso has seen this firsthand after more than a decade in the industry, including working in oncology.

“People often only see the clinical side of what we do,” Bree says. “But so much of it is emotional. You’re sitting with families through diagnosis, treatment, hope, and sometimes loss.”

From emergency cases like snake bites and trauma incidents to long-term illness journeys, veterinary teams are not only providing medical care, they are absorbing the fear, urgency, and heartbreak of the people in front of them.

“You don’t just walk away from those moments,” Bree explains. “You carry them. And then you go onto the next patient, and the next. There’s not always space to process it.”

Turning Awareness Into Action

In recognition of World Veterinary Day, Bree has launched an initiative through her photography business, Bree Ruby Photography, to give back to the profession that shaped her.

Throughout April, she is offering discounted photography sessions for veterinary professionals and donating from every booking to Not One More Vet (NOMV), an organisation dedicated to supporting mental health within the veterinary industry.

The initiative encourages veterinary staff to create meaningful memories with their own pets, something they often advocate for others but rarely prioritise themselves.

“Vet professionals are so used to caring for everyone else,” Bree says. “This is a small way to give something back to them, and to support an organisation doing incredibly important work.”

Pet Insurance Australia: Recognising the People Behind the Profession

Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton says World Veterinary Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge not only the expertise of veterinary professionals but also their humanity.

“Veterinarians are there for us in some of the most emotional moments of pet ownership, from emergencies to end-of-life care. What many people don’t see is the emotional toll that comes with that responsibility,” Crighton says.

“This year’s World Veterinary Day theme highlights the critical role vets play in protecting both animal and human health, but it’s equally important we recognise the need to support them as individuals.”

“Initiatives like Bree’s are incredibly important because they shine a light on the human side of the profession. These are people who give so much of themselves to care for our pets, and they deserve that same level of care and support in return. Any pet owner can relate to how important our vets are when it comes to an emergency situation or end-of-life care.”

A Conversation That Must Continue

Organisations like Not One More Vet are helping to lead change within the industry, offering tailored mental health support, peer networks, and crisis resources for veterinary professionals.

However, awareness remains key.

Pet Insurance Australia is encouraging pet owners to show patience, kindness, and understanding during veterinary visits, small actions that can make a meaningful difference.

“Behind every consultation is a person who genuinely cares,” Crighton added.
“World Veterinary Day is a reminder that supporting our vets isn’t just about recognising their skills, it’s about recognising their wellbeing too.”

Images courtesy of Bree Ruby Photography©

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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