Veterinary medicine is often described as more than just a job—it’s a profession that draws people who are deeply committed to animals and their well-being. But just as important as the care we provide to patients is the environment we create for one another. Our field is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives, and that diversity is part of what makes us so strong. Unfortunately, the larger societal climate of division and misunderstanding can sometimes seep into our workplaces or interactions with clients. As Veterinary professionals, we must take intentional steps to ensure our teams feel safe, respected, and supported.
What a “Safe” Environment Really Means
Safety goes beyond physical well-being. A safe Veterinary workplace is one where every team member—regardless of role, gender, race, orientation, background, or beliefs—feels valued and respected. It is an environment where professionals are not dismissed, demeaned, or marginalized; instead, they are empowered and encouraged to do their best work for patients.
This type of environment doesn’t happen by chance; it must be cultivated. Leadership sets the tone, but every member of the team contributes to the culture. And technicians, who often serve as the bridge between doctors, support staff, and clients, are uniquely positioned to model and advocate for this change.
The Role of Technicians in Culture Change
Technicians are the frontline educators, communicators, and patient advocates. That role naturally extends into advocating for colleagues and for the integrity of the workplace. By speaking up when inappropriate comments are made, supporting peers who may feel excluded, and redirecting client behavior when needed, technicians help set the expectation that respect is not optional—it’s essential.
Professionalism Doesn’t Require Friendship
It’s important to remember that colleagues don’t have to be friends to work well together. While friendships often develop naturally in Veterinary medicine—especially in smaller teams where shared challenges and passions bring people closer—professional respect must always come first. At a minimum, team members owe one another kindness, courtesy, and professionalism. That means treating one another with patience, communicating respectfully, and not allowing personal differences to interfere with patient care.
Friendships are an added bonus, but not an expectation. What is essential is creating an environment where everyone knows they will be consistently be treated fairly, and with dignity and respect.
Building a Respect-First Culture
Creating safer environments takes ongoing commitment, not just a single conversation. Some steps teams can take include:
- Clear Policies: Clinics should establish and uphold policies against harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior—whether from clients or coworkers. These policies should be reviewed by all staff regularly, and updated as needed.
- Education & Training: Ongoing communication and training (such diversity, equity, and inclusion training) can provide tools for handling sensitive situations and reinforce shared values.
- Support Systems: Leadership should cultivate a safe space where staff are able to speak openly about concerns.
When teams know they will be protected and respected, morale strengthens, retention improves, and patient care benefits.
Moving the Profession Forward
Veterinary medicine already faces challenges—compassion fatigue, staffing shortages, and long hours (to name a few). Adding the weight of disrespect or hostility only increases those burdens. By committing to safer spaces, we not only support one another but also demonstrate to clients that Veterinary professionals are united in their dedication to patient care—and to sustaining the team that makes that care possible by honoring and respecting both our differences and our common ground.
As technicians, we can lead the way. Change starts with us choosing to stand up, speak out, and model the respect we want to see. In doing so, we help create a profession where everyone—patients, clients, and colleagues—can truly thrive.