In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Chris White, Operations and Development Director of the Veterinary Management Group, to talk about leadership, culture and retention in veterinary medicine.

Chris shares his insights on what makes a good veterinary leader, why self-awareness matters, and how practices can better support their teams in a changing profession.

Together, they discuss generational shifts, workplace wellbeing, professional development and why leadership in vet med is not just about managing people, but understanding what keeps them motivated, valued and connected to their purpose.

In Episode 7 of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with veterinarian Alfie to talk about the unexpected paths that can lead into veterinary medicine.

From studying Bio Veterinary Science to completing his veterinary degree in Slovakia, Alfie shares how taking a non-traditional route shaped his confidence, adaptability and perspective as a vet.

Together, they discuss the importance of mentorship, community, hands-on experience and the realities of opening a veterinary practice, offering an honest look at what it takes to grow from student to practitioner and eventually practice owner.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with veterinary physiotherapist Lucy Walsh to explore how animal rehabilitation can transform recovery, comfort and quality of life.

Lucy shares her journey into veterinary physiotherapy, how treatments can support pets with arthritis, IVDD, mobility issues and age-related pain, and why collaboration between vets, physios and pet owners is so important.

Together, they discuss practical ways owners can spot discomfort, support aging pets at home, and understand the growing role of physiotherapy, holistic care and regenerative therapies in modern veterinary medicine.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with veterinary nurse Callum Marshall to talk about the reality of life on the frontlines of veterinary care.

From shelter medicine and emergency night shifts to unpredictable cases, high-pressure decisions and the chaos that never makes it to the waiting room, Callum shares what it really takes to be a veterinary nurse.

A raw, funny and honest look at the people holding vet med together behind the scenes.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Ben Jacklin, CEO of Medivet UK, to talk about leadership, culture, and the future of veterinary practice.

From his journey as an equine vet to leading one of the UK’s major veterinary groups, Ben shares what he has learned about building teams, supporting veterinary professionals, and creating practices where people actually want to stay.

Together, they discuss the pressures facing the profession, the role of corporate ownership, and why better leadership, stronger culture, and a renewed sense of purpose may be key to helping vet med thrive again.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Ben Jacklin, CEO of Medivet UK, to talk about leadership, culture, and the future of veterinary practice.

From his journey as an equine vet to leading one of the UK’s major veterinary groups, Ben shares what he has learned about building teams, supporting veterinary professionals, and creating practices where people actually want to stay.

Together, they discuss the pressures facing the profession, the role of corporate ownership, and why better leadership, stronger culture, and a renewed sense of purpose may be key to helping vet med thrive again.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Claire Balla, a pet owner, former pet shop owner, dog groomer and trainer, to talk about the complicated love that comes with caring for pugs and other brachycephalic breeds.

Claire shares her experience of rescuing and loving pugs with chronic health problems, from breathing struggles and mobility issues to eye ulcers, vet bills, daily care and the heartbreak of knowing when it is time to say goodbye.

Together, they explore why we fall so deeply in love with these “broken breeds,” the health problems humans have bred into them, and why loving an animal sometimes means facing very hard truths.

What happens when the dream career you worked so hard for starts breaking you?

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with fellow veterinarian Sarah, founder of Positivity in Practice, to talk honestly about vet school, burnout, mental health, leaving clinical practice, and finding a new purpose in helping veterinary professionals rebuild their confidence and self-trust.

Together, they open up about the pressure of becoming a vet, the lack of support many new graduates face, the emotional toll of clinical practice, and why the veterinary industry still has hope if real change happens from both the ground up and the top down.

In this heartfelt episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Mel for an honest conversation about the love, guilt and grief that can come with caring for an unwell pet.

Mel shares Harper’s story, from the first signs of decline to the painful decision to say goodbye. Together, they talk about the emotional and financial weight of pet care, the guilt many owners carry after euthanasia, and why open communication with your vet can make such a difference during the hardest moments.

This episode is also a reminder of the power of friendship, support and trusting your gut when making decisions for the animals we love most.