When Did Yelling at Vets Become Acceptable?

“When did kindness stop and abuse start — especially for the people trying to save our pets?”

The Adelaide Network (TAN)’s monthly meeting presentation came in from Sophie’s Legacy; to discuss an often unseen reality ie the mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals. It’s a field many of us would naturally associate with care, kindness, and healing, yet behind the scenes it can be emotionally demanding, with high levels of client abuse coupled against low pay and (some) toxic workplace demands.

Hearing Sophie’s story from her parents, Garry and Kate Putland, at the TAN event, was a reminder that those who care for our animals also need the same care, understanding and support we afford our pets.

Sophie’s Legacy exists to save the people who save our animals; simple. They do this by promoting compassion, encouraging reduced client abuse, and pushing for better mental health support in the veterinary profession; not so simple!

Let’s face it, moments of frustration are natural (normal, even expected?) when our animals are unwell, but the reality at the clinic, means it can escalate quickly with clients becoming abusive (think verbal attacks, threats over costs/outcomes).

When did the kindness stop for the abuse to start, and why is it the vets fault that your pet is unwell? When has this ever been OK? We say NEVER! Sophie’s Legacy is in the community, raising awareness and demanding we stop treating compassion as optional. We agree!

Supporting mental health in the veterinary profession starts with awareness, but it grows through everyday actions by everyone. Sophie’s Legacy as a charity is an important step and a reminder that this is a shared responsibility.

We are super appreciative to have heard about Sophie through her parents Garry and Kate. We would have preferred to meet her in person.

RIP Sophie 🙏🏼