105. The Veterinary Compassion Project with Dr. Erin Holder

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.Episode Recap:The Veterinary Compassion Project and its missionUnderstanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinariansWhy veterinary schools should address mental health early in educationRecognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnoutThe importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionalsBurnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the professionHow the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food productionTools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinariansHow pet parents can support their veterinariansTips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnoutAnnouncing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnoutEpisode Resources:Veterinary Compassion ProjectVCP Restorative Retreat 2025VCP Resources for VeterinariansHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook