In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.

Episode Recap:

• The Veterinary Compassion Project and its mission
• Understanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinarians
• Why veterinary schools should address mental health early in education
• Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout
• The importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionals
• Burnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the profession
• How the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food production
• Tools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinarians
• How pet parents can support their veterinarians
• Tips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnout
• Announcing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
• The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnout

Episode Resources:

• Veterinary Compassion Project
• VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
• VCP Resources for Veterinarians
• Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] 
• Angela Ardolino
• CBD Dog Health

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