Veterinarians across Melbourne are calling for greater respect from the public, as rising financial stress and emotionally charged situations drive an increase in abuse towards frontline animal care workers.

At North Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit veterinary hospitals, staff are reporting a concerning escalation in aggressive behaviour from clients.

Recent incidents have included physical violence, threats to personal safety, and repeated verbal abuse directed at staff, highlighting the severity of the issue.

This is unfolding against the backdrop of a profession already facing a serious mental health crisis, with veterinarians almost four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, equating to one Australian vet taking their own life approximately every 12 weeks.

As World Veterinary Day approaches (Saturday 25 April), Lort Smith is urging Melbourne pet owners to show patience and compassion towards veterinary staff.

Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian, Dr Jessica Wilde, said the combination of rising living costs and the deep emotional connection people have with their pets is creating more challenging interactions in clinics.

“Melbourne families love their pets, they’re part of the family – so when something goes wrong, emotions run high,” Dr Wilde said.

“We understand that people are under financial pressure right now. But abuse towards veterinary staff is never acceptable.”

Dr Wilde said while most clients are respectful, even a small number of aggressive incidents can have a significant and lasting impact.

“It only takes a few difficult interactions to affect your wellbeing,” she said.

“Our teams are already working in emotionally intense environments, caring for sick, injured and sometimes dying animals every day. Increasingly, it’s the behaviour of clients that’s becoming the hardest part of the job.”

Lort Smith, which provides essential low-cost and emergency care to vulnerable pet owners across Melbourne, said the rise in aggression is contributing to workforce challenges across the veterinary sector.

“We’re seeing fewer people entering and staying in the profession due to the pressures; from compassion fatigue through to unrealistic expectations and workplace stress,” Dr Wilde said.

“This is happening here in Melbourne, and it’s not sustainable.”

The organisation is calling on the community to play a role in creating safer, more respectful clinic environments.

“A small moment of patience or kindness can make an enormous difference to someone working on the frontline,” Dr Wilde said.

“As we mark World Veterinary Day, we’re asking Melbourne pet owners to remember that the people caring for your animals are doing their very best in difficult circumstances.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Suzana Talevski
Head of Media and Digital Content, Lort Smith
M: 0403 047 945
E: stalevski@lortsmith.com