Repeated exposure to emotionally charged situations—like clients unable to afford care—can lead to compassion fatigue. This emotional toll is compounded by ethical dilemmas and lack of training in conflict resolution.¹

Veterinary professionals report that clients often express guilt, shame, or fear when discussing costs. Learning to address these emotions with empathy can improve compliance and reduce emotional fallout.²

Just as human healthcare workers face moral dilemmas in profit-driven and resource-limited systems, veterinary professionals frequently encounter similar ethical challenges. One research project in 2022 found that 89% of respondents (all veterinary professionals) had experienced “potentially morally injurious events” (PMIEs), and that 22.5% were experiencing PTSD.³

When clients have options for financial help, veterinary teams can support affordability and accessibility without compromising their need to charge appropriately for goods and services. Having financial planning conversations early and often as well as staying up to date on tools and resources can have a big impact.⁴

Moral injury can change how you see yourself. Feelings of guilt or failure can spiral into self-blame and shame, leading to emotional withdrawal, burnout, and even leaving the profession altogether.
Having cost of care conversations with pet owners and providing financial tool options to help them manage the cost of pet care can actually be a form of self-care. By creating sustainable habits that protect your mental wellbeing in the long term, you are proactively managing your emotional and psychological health.⁵