In today’s digital age, online discussions about Veterinary care are everywhere. I personally see them almost every time I open social media, especially on neighborhood groups, or sites/apps that are focused on the local community. Unfortunately, not all of these discussions are positive or accurate.
In my experience, most often these posts are criticizing clinics, veterinarians, or the cost of Veterinary care or services. I also encounter misinformation about Veterinary medicine or generalized pet care and husbandry. This raises an important question: Do Veterinary professionals have an obligation—moral or otherwise—to engage with these posts?
Responding to Clinic or Veterinarian Criticism
Online complaints about Veterinary clinics and professionals can certainly be frustrating, especially when they often lack context or misrepresent events. While the instinct to defend one’s colleagues and profession is understandable, responses should be carefully considered.
Engaging in public disputes may escalate tensions, and professional ethics often prevent Veterinary professionals from sharing details that would provide full clarity. In some cases, a well-crafted, professional response inviting the individual to discuss their concerns privately with the facility they’re posting about can demonstrate a commitment to client service while maintaining professionalism.
Addressing Misinformation About Veterinary Costs
Posts that misrepresent or exaggerate the cost of Veterinary care can contribute to widespread misconceptions about pricing and even more so, in my opinion, the value of care. Veterinary professionals may choose to respond by providing general educational information about the factors influencing costs, such as high-quality medical equipment, staff expertise, and the lack of government subsidies compared to human healthcare.
However, keep in mind that engaging with an emotionally charged post may not always be productive. Instead, consistent public education efforts—such as blogs, infographics, or social media posts, especially those coming from a Veterinary facility—can be a more effective way to combat misinformation over time.
Correcting Medical Misinformation
Perhaps the most critical question is whether Veterinary professionals should respond to posts sharing inaccurate medical information. Misinformation can be harmful, potentially leading pet owners to make unsafe decisions about their pets’ care.
When deciding whether to respond, Veterinary professionals should assess the potential impact of the misinformation. If the post has significant reach and could result in harm, a polite, fact-based correction with reputable sources may be warranted. However, engaging in an argument rarely leads to productive outcomes. Instead, as mentioned above, Veterinary professionals can use their own platforms to share accurate, evidence-based information proactively.
Finding the Right Balance
Ultimately, responding to online criticism or misinformation is a personal and professional choice. While Veterinary professionals are not obligated to engage with every post, they can play an important role in educating the public. Thoughtful, measured responses—when appropriate—can help uphold the integrity of the profession while avoiding unnecessary conflict.
However, many Veterinary professionals are already physically and mentally exhausted from their jobs, and therefore should carefully consider whether they have the capacity to respond to such public posts.
Hospitals and clinics should appoint a staff member who has training in public relations, human resources, or conflict management to manage any negative social media posts referring to their business, its employees, or on that business’s pages. Additionally, focusing on proactive education and advocacy can be a powerful way to shape public perception and ensure pet owners have access to reliable Veterinary information.
What are your thoughts? Should Veterinary professionals actively address online misinformation and criticism, or is it sometimes better to stay silent?