How to Choose the Best Vet Practice for Your Next Career Move

How to Choose the Best Vet Practice for Your Next Career Move

As a veterinarian, your career is about more than just the animals you care for—it’s about your wellbeing too. Finding a practice that values mental health and work-life balance is crucial to long-term success and happiness in your role. But what should you look for in a vet practice to ensure they truly prioritise their employees? Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect fit.

1. Look for Clear Work-Life Balance Policies

A great vet practice understands the demands of the job and actively works to prevent burnout. Look for signs that the practice values work-life balance:

• Are there clearly defined working hours with minimal overtime?
• Do they have policies for managing emergency call-outs?
• Is there flexibility to accommodate personal needs or emergencies?

Red Flag: Practices that boast about being "always on" may not prioritise rest and recovery for their team.

2. Assess the Support Structure

A practice that prioritises mental health often has robust support systems in place. During interviews, ask about:

• Access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
• Support from senior staff, like mentoring or regular one-on-one check-ins.
• Team meetings or debrief sessions after challenging cases to ensure emotional well-being.

Tip: Practices that encourage open communication and teamwork often foster a healthier work environment.

3. Examine the Workload Distribution

An uneven workload can lead to stress and burnout. A well-managed practice ensures tasks are fairly distributed among team members.

• Ask about the average caseload per day and whether there’s enough time for detailed patient care.
• Inquire about support staff, like vet nurses and receptionists, to see if administrative and routine tasks are shared.

Positive Sign: A practice with a collaborative approach to workload management shows respect for their team’s time and energy.

4. Check Their Approach to Professional Development

Continuous learning is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your mental health. A supportive employer will encourage growth without pressure:

• Do they offer funded CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities?
• Are you given time during working hours to attend workshops or conferences?
• Is there a focus on skills that improve both veterinary care and personal development, like stress management or leadership training?

Red Flag: A practice that expects you to fund or complete CPD outside of work hours might not value your time.

5. Gauge the Workplace Culture

The overall atmosphere of a vet practice can make or break your experience. During your visit, pay attention to:

• How team members interact—are they supportive and approachable?
• Whether the leadership acknowledges and celebrates achievements.
• The presence of a positive, open-door policy for raising concerns or ideas.

Tip: Practices with a culture of kindness and collaboration are more likely to foster a healthy work environment.

6. Inquire About Leave and Downtime

Taking breaks is essential in a demanding field like veterinary medicine. Check whether the practice provides:

• Adequate holiday entitlement, including mental health days.
• Regular breaks during shifts to recharge.
• Policies for returning to work after stressful situations or extended leave.

Positive Sign: Practices that encourage employees to use their holiday entitlement are more likely to respect your need for rest.

7. Read Reviews and Speak to Current Employees

One of the best ways to get a feel for a practice is by hearing from those who work there.

• Check online reviews about the practice’s work environment.
• Ask to speak with current team members about their experience during the recruitment process.

Tip: Honest, positive feedback from employees is a strong indicator of a supportive employer.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut when evaluating a new practice. If something feels off or too good to be true, dig deeper. A welcoming, transparent recruitment process often reflects the culture of the practice.

Joining the right veterinary practice can make all the difference in your career and wellbeing. By focusing on practices that prioritise mental health, fair workloads, and a supportive environment, you can ensure your next role is as rewarding for you as it is for the animals you care for.

Remember: the best employers look after their people, not just their patients. Good luck with your job search!