Veterinarians in the Netherlands face aggressive clients, raising mental health concerns
The mental health of veterinarians in the Netherlands is under significant strain, according to a recent study conducted by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij voor Diergeneeskunde (KNMvD), the professional association for veterinarians. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 veterinarians, revealed widespread concerns, particularly among younger professionals and those working in small animal clinics, NOS reports.
The KNMvD urged veterinarians to share their experiences, and many reported dealing with aggressive and intimidating clients. These incidents have negatively impacted job satisfaction and increased stress levels, the association stated.
A veterinarian in Noord-Nederland shared her experience of dealing with an aggressive client after reporting a case of animal neglect. "I had just started working at a clinic when I encountered pet owners who couldn’t handle their dog’s behavioral and health problems," she said.
After several discussions, the veterinarian reported the situation, which led to the dog being confiscated. "That wasn’t taken kindly," she explained. What followed was a series of threatening phone calls and emails. "For one or two months, I received messages like, ‘I know where to find you’ and ‘We’ll destroy you.’”
Another veterinarian in Zuid-Holland recounted a violent encounter with a client. "He called the clinic, and during the conversation, it was clear it wasn’t an emergency," she said. Due to a busy schedule, the client was referred to another clinic.
However, the client arrived at the clinic anyway, angry and threatening. "He yelled, threw objects, and even damaged computers. My colleagues and I had to hide in another room and call the police," she added.
According to the KNMvD, such incidents are often linked to financial disputes. "Procedures and hospitalizations can cost thousands of euros. Discussions about costs are unavoidable, and they’re emotionally charged because veterinarians enter the profession out of love for animals," the association noted.
Veterinarians are also grappling with high workloads and insufficient recovery time, according to the KNMvD. "Like general practitioners, we see more patients per hour," a Zuid-Holland veterinarian explained. "But unlike human patients, animals can’t describe what’s wrong, which makes diagnosis even more challenging."
Routine appointments, such as vaccinations, are typically allotted just ten minutes. "During these consultations, we assess the entire animal. If we notice abnormalities, ten minutes is rarely enough," the veterinarian added.
Young veterinarians face additional pressures, including proving themselves in a demanding field. At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University, the country’s sole veterinary training institution, students frequently ask how to handle aggressive clients.
"They are often the youngest in the clinic, and many are women," said Yteke Elte, a professor and equine veterinarian. "Comments like, ‘Are you really the veterinarian?’ are common."
The public also misunderstands the profession, according to a Zuid-Holland veterinarian. "Many people think it’s a job where you spend all day cuddling kittens and puppies," she said.
Perfectionism is another challenge for young veterinarians, especially those starting out. "Mistakes can have severe consequences," said a veterinarian in Zuid-Nederland. "The animal could get sicker, costs could increase, or, in the worst-case scenario, the animal might die. This pressure makes perfectionism even more pronounced."
While experienced colleagues often assure young veterinarians that the job becomes easier with time, many in the new generation turn to each other for support. "We have WhatsApp groups where we share experiences and lean on each other for support," the Zuid-Nederland veterinarian said.
