In the fast-paced, emotionally demanding world of veterinary practice, achieving a sustainable work-life balance can often feel like chasing a moving target. For many veterinary professionals, long hours, high client expectations, and the emotional weight of clinical work are simply "part of the job." But the cost of this culture is becoming increasingly clear.
A survey published in the Veterinary Record revealed that the average full-time vet in the UK works a staggering 57 hours per week—with practice partners and owners averaging around 71 hours. These figures far exceed the standard 40-hour workweek and highlight a systemic issue in the profession: chronic overwork.
Why Does Work-Life Balance Matter?
Veterinary work is not just physically exhausting; it's emotionally and mentally taxing too. Compassion fatigue, burnout, and mental health challenges are common across the profession. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn't a luxury—it's essential for personal well-being, professional longevity, and quality patient care.
Key Challenges
Unpredictable Workload: Emergencies, last-minute appointments, and staff shortagescan derail even the best-laid schedules.
Client Expectations: The rise of "on-demand" culture means pet owners often expect 24/7 access and instant answers.
Practice Culture: A "martyr mindset" can still exist, where working long hours is seen as a badge of honour rather than a risk factor.
Strategies for Managing Workloads and Setting Boundaries
1. Rethink Rota Design
Rotas should be created with sustainability in mind—not just coverage. Build in regular, protected time off, and ensure on-call duties are fairly distributed. Some practices are successfully trialling four-day weeks or flexible working hours to reduce fatigue and improve job satisfaction.
2. Set Clear Client Communication Boundaries
Create clear, consistent policies around communication outside of work hours. This might include auto-replies for emails after 6pm or using triage services to manage out-of-hours calls. Educating clients on these boundaries is crucial—and often well-received when explained with transparency and care.
3. Leverage Support Staff and Delegate Effectively
Veterinary nurses and support staff are often underutilised. Empowering them to take on more clinical and administrative responsibilities not only supports professional development but also lightens the load on vets.
4. Use Technology Wisely
Practice management software, telemedicine platforms, and automated reminders can reduce administrative burdens. While digital tools won’t replace human care, they can free up valuable time and streamline processes.
5. Create a Culture That Values Downtime
Practice leaders play a key role in modelling work-life balance. Encouraging team members to take breaks, use annual leave, and disconnect after hours helps normalise rest as a professional necessity—not a guilty indulgence.
6. Mental Health Resources and Peer Support
Encourage open conversations about stress and burnout. Initiatives like Vetlife and Mind Matters offer confidential support, while in-practice peer networks and regular check-ins can foster a sense of community and shared resilience.
Looking Forward: Redefining Success in Veterinary Practice
The veterinary profession is built on compassion—but that compassion must extend to ourselves and our teams. Sustainable careers require sustainable habits. As the industry continues to evolve, so too must our approach to work-life balance.
By embracing smarter working practices, setting healthy boundaries, and challenging outdated norms, we can build a profession where success is measured not just by clinical outcomes, but by the well-being of those who deliver them.