Step into the high-stakes world of veterinary emergency medicine where chaos, emotion, and unexpected moments of laughter collide.
In this episode, Dr Carra sits down with ER veterinary technician and viral content creator Geoffrey van Zjil, for an unfiltered, honest look at life in the emergency room. Discover what REALLY walks through those ER doors, what pet owners get wrong about emergencies, and the hidden costs, physical, emotional, and financial, that staff and owners alike face during urgent care.
Geoffrey van Zjil opens up about managing burnout, mental health, and why humour is often the lifeline that gets teams through tough cases. Learn how social media can be used to educate (not just sensationalise) the public, hear stories that will change your perspective, and get practical advice on navigating critical situations with your pet.
Whether you’re a veterinary professional, pet owner, or just curious about the realities behind the scenes, this episode will make you laugh, think, and appreciate the unsung heroes who keep the ER running.
Watch now and gain compassion, understanding, and maybe a few dance moves for your next team meeting!
SPONSOR: Ultra Pet
Check out Ultra Pets New range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-adult/
Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/
Connect with Geoffrey:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aintdoinright?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e80853f0-2ef4-4d8b-9a7b-abbde3ea5b09
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aint.doin.right/
Podcast Production:
This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/
THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:
Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za
Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/
FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.
Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.
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00:00 Unpredictable Swing Shift Challenges
07:57 “Self-Care Like an Athlete”
13:18 “Prioritize Sleep, Listen to Body”
17:22 Humor and Heart in Veterinary Medicine
27:00 Preparing Owners for Pet Euthanasia
29:20 “Challenges in Veterinary Care Costs”
38:22 Navigating Difficult Care Decisions
39:23 Pre-Sedation Testing for Pet Safety
44:41 Transparent Communication in Veterinary Care
53:19 Critical Injury Monitoring Protocols
57:08 “Dangers of DIY Remedies”
01:00:55 “Eating Dog Food for Fun”
