Working in veterinary practice can be one of the most rewarding careers—but also one of the most demanding. The long shifts, emotional intensity, and fast pace can make it difficult to switch off at the end of the day. For many of us, "just one more thing before I leave" becomes a daily habit.
A recent Veterinary Record survey found that the average full-time vet in the UK works 57 hours a week. For practice partners and owners, it’s closer to 71 hours. These numbers are more than statistics—they reflect the pressure we all feel on the ground, whether you’re a vet, nurse, or support team member.
So how do we look after ourselves while still giving our best to our patients and clients?
Here are a few practical strategies that might help—shared not as a magic fix, but as small steps toward a more balanced and sustainable working life.
1. Protect Your Time Where You Can
If you’re always staying late to catch up on notes, consider scheduling admin time into your day. Even 15–20 minutes at lunchtime can make a difference. If it’s not part of the rota, speak up. You’re not being difficult—you’re protecting your ability to function (and care for patients) over the long term.
2. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt
This one’s hard. We go into this profession because we care—and that often leads us to say yes to extra shifts, overtime, or non-urgent tasks that eat into our breaks. Try pausing before you agree: Do I have the capacity for this? Will it compromise my well-being today? Saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re not a team player—it means you’re human.
3. Speak Up About Unrealistic Expectations
If you’re regularly booked back-to-back with no breaks or time to think, it’s okay to raise it with your line manager or lead vet. You’re not complaining—you’re flagging something that impacts patient care, not just your own health. The more we normalise these conversations, the better for everyone.
4. Use Support Staff Effectively
Delegation isn’t about shirking responsibility—it’s about working as a team. If you’re doing tasks that could be done by someone else (like receptionists, or ACAs), you’re burning out your clinical capacity. Ask for help.
5. Unplug Outside Work
Easier said than done—but really important. If you can, avoid checking work emails or messages when you're off. If your practice uses WhatsApp groups or similar, consider muting them outside work hours. Protect your off-time. Your mental bandwidth is finite.
6. Find Small Wins in Each Day
Some days are chaotic. Some days feel like a sprint from start to finish. On those days, it can help to consciously notice a small win—a patient that recovered well, a thank-you from a client, a good laugh with a colleague. Those moments remind us why we do this, even when it’s tough.
7. Look After Each Other
You’re not alone in feeling stretched. Check in with your colleagues—especially the quiet ones. If you’re struggling, say something. Speak to a friend at work, your line manager, or reach out to a support service like Vetlife. You're not weak for feeling overwhelmed—you’re normal.
Final Thoughts
Work-life balance isn’t just about fewer hours. It’s about having the time and headspace to be a whole person outside of work—to rest, laugh, connect, and recover.
No one expects perfection. And you’re not expected to fix systemic issues on your own. But by taking small steps to protect your energy, and looking out for one another, we can slowly shift the culture from burnout to balance.
Because you matter—not just as a professional, but as a person.