In this episode of the Know Your Why podcast, Dr. Jason Balara speaks with Angie Arora, a veterinary social worker dedicated to improving mental health in the veterinary profession. They explore the emotional toll of animal care, from grief support to managing trauma exposure and moral distress. Angie shares how burnout and stress management are critical for professionals working in animal hospitals, where compassion fatigue and workplace dynamics can impact professional quality of life. She highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, leadership in veterinary care, and the need for strong caregiver support systems. The discussion also examines how the COVID-19 impact has exacerbated collective trauma and why psychological safety should be a priority in veterinary workplaces. Angie provides actionable insights on fostering resilience, implementing mental health solutions, and rethinking how the industry supports its professionals.

Key Highlights:

- Veterinary social work bridges the gap between animal care and mental health support.

- Trauma exposure and moral distress contribute to high burnout rates in the veterinary profession.

- Leadership in veterinary care must prioritize psychological safety and workplace well-being.

- Many caregivers struggle with the pressure of handling everything alone.

- The COVID-19 impact has heightened stress and collective trauma across the industry.

- Addressing burnout requires systemic changes and trauma-informed care.

- One-size-fits-all mental health strategies are ineffective—personalized support is essential.

- Creating safe spaces for self-exploration is vital for long-term healing in veterinary workplaces.

The veterinary profession faces unique mental health challenges, but as Angie Arora explains, change is possible through leadership, systemic support, and a deeper understanding of trauma exposure. By prioritizing stress management and caregiver support, organizations can create healthier environments for professionals in animal care. This conversation is a call to action for veterinary leaders to foster resilience, rethink support systems, and ensure a sustainable future for those dedicated to animal welfare.

Get in touch with Angie:

Website: https://www.angiearora.com/

IG:https://www.instagram.com/veterinarywellbeingcoach/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiearora/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

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