Veterinarians hold a critical place in our society—they are the caregivers for the animals that bring us joy, companionship, and love. However, the profession is currently facing a mental health crisis. A 2018 CDC study found that veterinarians are at a much higher risk of suicide than the general population, with female veterinarians being 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide. This devastating statistic is linked to many pressures within the profession, including the emotional burden of euthanasia and the difficult, often heartbreaking decisions veterinarians must make in the course of their work.
One of the most challenging and emotionally taxing parts of a veterinarian’s job is making life-and-death decisions. Euthanasia, though necessary in some cases to prevent suffering, can feel like an insurmountable burden for those who carry it out. The decision is not always straightforward, and for veterinarians, it is one that is often deeply personal. Many veterinarians struggle with the weight of these choices, particularly when financial limitations play a role. Economic euthanasia—where financial constraints, rather than the pet’s quality of life, drive the decision—is becoming an all-too-common reality.
Economic Euthanasia: The Cost of Compassion and Its Impact on Veterinarians
Every year, an estimated 2.7 million animals are euthanized in the United States, including around 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A significant factor contributing to this heartbreaking reality is the increasing cost of veterinary care. With emergency treatments often reaching thousands of dollars, many pet owners are faced with the grim decision of choosing euthanasia when they cannot afford life-saving procedures. A survey by Canine Journal revealed that nearly half of dog owners would consider euthanasia if their pet were diagnosed with a condition requiring expensive treatment they couldn’t afford.
This phenomenon, known as “economic euthanasia,” is a painful reality for many pet parents. When faced with the possibility of a $5,000 or more emergency bill, the financial burden forces owners to make a decision they never imagined: saying goodbye to their beloved companion. The emotional toll of this decision extends far beyond the pet owner and affects the veterinary professionals who must deliver the devastating news and perform the procedure.
For veterinarians, the emotional strain of euthanasia is compounded by the stress of working in a system where profit often takes precedence over patient care. The constant demand for high-stakes decisions, combined with long hours and heavy workloads, creates an environment that is ripe for burnout. Veterinarians frequently find themselves caught in a cycle of expensive treatments, surgeries, and ultimately, euthanasia, unable to offer alternatives that could allow animals to live longer, healthier lives. This relentless emotional burden is one of the contributing factors to the high suicide rates within the veterinary profession. Many veterinarians struggle with the emotional fallout of euthanasia, heavy debt, and the lack of mental health support available to them. The stigma surrounding mental health issues in the field only exacerbates the challenges they face. Without proper resources or support, the pressures of their profession can lead to burnout, depression, and, tragically, suicide.
A Solution: Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation as an Alternative
While the challenges are significant, there is a pathway forward that could help break the cycle of economic euthanasia and offer a more compassionate approach to animal care. Veterinary integrative medicine and rehabilitation therapies are emerging as viable alternatives to the traditional “drugs, surgery, and euthanasia” model. These methods combine conventional veterinary care with holistic treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and herbal therapies, offering pets a wider range of options for recovery, pain management, and overall wellness.
By broadening the treatment toolkit, veterinarians can reduce their reliance on expensive and often invasive procedures that lead to difficult decisions about euthanasia. These therapies can be particularly effective for chronic conditions, mobility issues, and recovery from surgeries or accidents, improving the quality of life for pets without resorting to life-ending measures. For veterinarians, having more treatment options at their disposal can also reduce the emotional burden of having to make a “final” decision prematurely, allowing them to offer alternatives that could extend the life of the pet and improve their well-being.
Moreover, rehabilitative therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, and aquatic therapy, can help pets recover from injuries or illnesses without needing to go through invasive surgeries or treatments that may increase financial strain on pet owners. This approach can provide veterinarians with the emotional relief that comes from offering real solutions to pet owners, instead of facing the heartbreaking task of euthanasia due to financial constraints.
A Healthier Future for Veterinarians and Pets
While offering integrative treatments won’t solve every issue facing the veterinary profession, it can be a critical first step in breaking the cycle of economic euthanasia and alleviating the emotional toll on veterinarians. By embracing holistic and alternative treatment options, veterinarians can reduce their reliance on costly procedures and offer more comprehensive care to their patients. This shift can help reduce the emotional strain on veterinarians and provide them with a sense of hope, knowing they are offering pets and pet owners a full range of compassionate options.
In parallel, mental health support for veterinarians is essential. Ensuring access to counseling, peer support, and wellness programs can help combat burnout and emotional distress, allowing veterinarians to stay in the field longer and continue providing the high level of care our animals deserve.
Ultimately, while there is no single solution to the complex emotional challenges veterinarians face, integrating holistic medicine and providing mental health support for professionals can help pave the way toward a more sustainable and compassionate future for both animals and the people who care for them.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
