What Does ‘Support’ Actually Mean in a Veterinary Practice?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a perfect moment to pause and consider what support truly means within veterinary teams. In such a demanding field, where compassion and care are at the core, how can we ensure that support goes beyond words and becomes something everyone actually feels?

“Support” is a word often used when talking about workplace culture, but its meaning can vary widely from one practice to another. What does support look like for your team? How can it help promote wellbeing, reduce stress, and create a positive environment where everyone can thrive?

In this blog, we explore different aspects of support – from emotional and operational to professional and technical – and invite you to reflect on how these show up in your practice.

1. Rethinking ‘Support’

Support doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, it’s about the little things – knowing that someone has your back or having clarity about what’s expected. How does your practice provide this daily reassurance? What might it look like to truly equip your team so they feel confident and valued?

2. Emotional Support: Creating a Culture of Care

Veterinary work is emotionally intense. Teams frequently face situations involving grief, tough decisions, and high pressure. Emotional support might mean fostering a culture where people feel safe to express concerns or vulnerability without fear of judgement.

Could your team benefit from more open conversations about mental health? How do you currently encourage kindness, breaks, and mutual check-ins during difficult times? Remember, emotional support is not just a “nice-to-have” – it plays a crucial role in mental wellbeing.

3. Operational Support: Helping Teams Work Smarter

Even the most dedicated team members need structure and resources to succeed. Are rotas manageable? Are responsibilities clearly defined? Do your team members have enough time and tools to do their jobs well?

When workload becomes overwhelming or scheduling is chaotic, stress increases and burnout risks rise. How might adjusting operational support create a healthier environment for everyone?

4. Professional Support: Investing in Growth

Supporting professional development signals to your team that you see their potential and care about their futures. Are there opportunities for CPD, mentoring, or career progression? Does your practice create space for learning and growth?

Sometimes, even small gestures – like regular feedback or dedicated training time – can boost morale and foster loyalty.

5. Technical Support: Removing Barriers

Technology is a big part of modern veterinary practice. When it works smoothly, it’s almost invisible – but when it causes delays or frustrations, it adds unnecessary stress.

Does your current tech setup help or hinder your team? How easy is it to get help when issues arise? Considering your tech from a support perspective can free up time and energy for patient care.

6. Mental Health Matters: Resources and Reflection

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to acknowledge the mental health challenges that veterinary professionals often face. What mental health resources are available to your team? How comfortable do people feel discussing mental wellbeing at work?

Here are some organisations offering support specifically for veterinary professionals and general mental health resources:

• Vetlife – UK-based charity offering mental health support and helplines for vets and vet teams.
• Mind – Leading mental health charity with useful workplace guides.
• British Veterinary Association (BVA) – Provides wellbeing resources tailored for veterinary professionals.
• SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) – Campaigns and support services to raise mental health awareness.

Reflecting on these questions and resources might help you find new ways to nurture a supportive and mentally healthy practice culture.

7. Moving Forward: What Does Support Mean to You?

Every practice is unique. What feels supportive in one might look different in another. The key is to ask your team, listen carefully, and be willing to adapt.

Support is not just a word or a value on paper – it’s something to build together every day. When people truly feel supported, it can transform morale, client care, and the overall success of your practice.

What steps could you take this Mental Health Month to better understand and enhance support in your team?