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dvm360 2026 Veterinary Burnout & Professional Challenges Survey

Veterinary professionals are facing increasing pressures, from staffing shortages and rising caseloads to burnout, emotional strain, and the day-to-day challenges of patient care. This short survey seeks to capture a snapshot of what working in veterinary medicine is like in 2026. Your insights will help shape upcoming coverage and discussions of the realities of the profession and the challenges veterinary professionals face today. Take a few minutes to share your experience anonymously and help provide a clearer picture of life in veterinary practice today.
1.Which best describes your current role?
2.In one word, how does your job feel right now?
3.How fulfilled do you feel in your current veterinary role?
Very fulfilled
Somewhat fulfilled
Neutral
Somewhat unfulfilled
Very unfulfilled
4.How would you rate your current level of burnout?
None
Mild
Moderate
Severe
5.What is contributing most to your current stress or burnout? (Select up to 3)
6.How supported do you feel in your workplace when it comes to mental health?
7.How often are you able to take a true break (eat, sit down, mentally reset) during a shift?
8.Is your workplace currently understaffed?
9.In the past 12 months, have you or someone you know left a veterinary role due to burnout or stress?
10.How comfortable do you feel speaking up about stress or mental health at work?
Very comfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Not very comfortable
Not comfortable at all
11.What do you feel the veterinary profession still isn’t talking about enough? (Select up to 5)
12.If you could change one thing about working in veterinary medicine right now, what would it be?
13.Looking ahead, how do you feel about your future in veterinary medicine?
14.[Optional] Would you be open to sharing more about your experience? Share your email here: