When a veterinary professional loses a pet, should they get time off? What happens when a request for pet bereavement leave is met with an eye roll?

In this emotionally charged episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough conversation around grief leave for veterinary team members mourning the loss of their own animals.

Drawing on listener questions, real-life clinic experiences, and personal stories, the hosts explore why this seemingly niche benefit deserves serious consideration in practice policies.

They unpack how grief uniquely impacts those who work in animal care, why existing PTO policies often fall short, and how dismissive responses from managers can erode clinic culture and trust.

More than a debate over logistics, this episode makes the case for compassionate, proactive leadership, especially when grief hits close to home.

Whether you’re a practice owner, clinic manager, or team member, this episode will challenge how you think about mental wellness, staff support, and the human-animal bond inside your own veterinary walls.

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