Online Complaints and Zero Tolerance: Have We Swung Too Far?

Bad online reviews aren’t new in veterinary medicine. What’s changing is how quickly we respond, and how quickly we sometimes end the relationship by “firing” the client who posted something critical. In the 482nd episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, explore the real question behind legitimate negative reviews: when does a complaint justify firing a client, and when is it an opportunity to improve? They unpack the difference between unsafe behavior and simple dissatisfaction, the emotional toll of public criticism, and how burnout may be shrinking our tolerance. The conversation also digs into power dynamics in medical professions, the shift from negotiation to zero tolerance, and what we lose when we default to dismissal instead of dialogue. This episode offers practical reflection points for veterinarians, technicians, and practice leaders who want clear boundaries without sacrificing professionalism or growth. If your clinic has wrestled with online complaints, or if your team feels emotionally drained by them, this is a thoughtful, grounded conversation worth having. #VeterinaryMedicine #VetLife #VetMedLeadership #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryTeams