Commentary on burnout and mental health in Canadian veterinarians

In Canadian veterinary medicine, serious issues have arisen, particularly in terms of occupational burnout, staff shortages, increased workloads, and mental health problems that can lead to an increased suicide rate among Canadian veterinarians. Veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining animal health and public health in society, but it appears that their working conditions are very challenging and stressful.
Neil Poutier, a Canadian veterinarian with extensive experience in managing veterinary hospitals, has pointed to the increase in occupational burnout in this industry. He has shared his own experiences and emphasized that his love for the job and his dedication to maintaining animal health are what have kept him in this profession. With the increasing workload and the need for emergency care in rural and remote areas, the stress and job fatigue among veterinarians are on the rise, which can lead to mental health issues.
In 2020, a study showed that 26.2% of Canadian veterinarians surveyed had contemplated suicide. This statistic indicates that veterinarians are more likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. Furthermore, data from Canada in 2022 also reveals that 2.5% of surveyed Canadian veterinarians had considered suicide.
This situation is concerning and requires increased attention and psychological and social support for veterinarians. As professionals dedicated to serving animals and public health, veterinarians need better working conditions and psychological support to prevent occupational burnout and mental health problems.

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