Finding Balance for Veterinary Teams

August 11, 2025

August is National Wellness Month, which makes it a great time to think about how we take care of ourselves and support each other. Working in a veterinary hospital can be emotionally and physically demanding, so finding balance is really important. It’s not just about personal self-care, it’s also about creating a team environment where wellness can be a part of the everyday routine. 

How Our Team Finds Balance Outside of the Clinic 

We asked our team members to share how they reset during busy days or challenging weeks. Here are a few of their responses: 

“Creativity. I find folding paper very soothing. So I folded origami cranes while watching Netflix with my family and made them into this mobile.” 

“Hikes in the woods and play hide and seek with the dogs.” 

“Riding my pony is number 1. Oh, and Candy Crush!” 

“Taking walks along the water!” 

These personal strategies remind us that wellness is deeply individual, and that sharing ideas can inspire others to find what works for them. 

Vetcor’s Approach to Team Wellness 

At Vetcor, we know that when teams feel supported, individuals thrive. That’s why each hospital is encouraged to find its own way to promote well-being, based on what works best for their staff. Some teams plan group activities, while others create quiet spaces where people can take a breather during busy days. 

Mackenzie, Hospital Manager at Epping Road Veterinary Hospital, shared a great example of how her team found a creative way to support each other. 

“I was having one-on-ones with staff, and some mentioned they wanted to learn new things but didn’t feel comfortable speaking up. So we had an open team meeting to talk about how we can help ourselves and each other grow, and that’s when I came up with the idea for goal boards. They loved it!” 

 

At Lockridge Animal Hospital, the team took a different approach by introducing crystal bowl meditation. 

“We were happy to provide some downtime to the staff. The room was silent, aside from the sound of crystal bowls aiming to heal and help guide busy minds into deep relaxation. We enjoy spending time together as a team participating in activities that strengthen us!” 

These kinds of ideas show that wellness doesn’t have to look the same everywhere. Vetcor encourages creativity and gives teams the freedom to build a supportive environment in a way that feels right for them, while still staying connected to a larger network of resources and support. 

Well-being Resources  

As a part of Team Vetcor you have access to our well-being benefits that include tools to help balance work and life through Lyra Health in the US, or Telus Health via Manulife in Canada. Not One More Vet (NOMV) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to the mental wellness of veterinary professionals. If you are not a part team Vetcor yet, NOMV offers a wide range of resources, including: 

The CLEAR Blueprint: A practice certification program that helps hospitals build a culture of wellness. 

Lifeboat: An anonymous peer-to-peer support platform for veterinary professionals. 

Educational Workshops: Talks and training on mental health and wellness in veterinary medicine.

You can explore these resources and more at nomv.com. 

Let’s Celebrate Wellness Month by Finding Balance Together 

This month, take a moment to check in, with yourself and your team. Whether it’s starting a new wellness habit or simply asking a coworker how they’re doing, small steps can make a big difference. Finding balance doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to recharge when they need to. Because when we take care of each other, we’re better able to care for the animals who depend on us.