Experiencing Violence from Animal Owners in Veterinary Medicine: Results of a Nationwide Survey

TL;DR

This study finds that over half of German veterinarians experience verbal abuse or violence from animal owners, with public sector workers facing the highest rates.

Contribution

The study provides the first nationwide analysis of workplace violence against veterinarians in Germany, linking it to age, workplace, and specialization.

Findings

52.7% of surveyed veterinarians experienced verbal abuse or physical violence from animal owners.

Middle-aged veterinarians reported significantly more physical violence compared to other age groups.

Public authority veterinarians experienced the highest prevalence of abuse (72.5%).

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Veterinarians are among the most stressed of all professional groups. Their work is characterised by long working hours, high emotional demands and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, suicide and burnout. The aim of this cross-sectional study that examines retrospective records of experienced violence was to analyse the frequency of violent acts and their connection to certain factors (age, gender, place of work, and specialist area according to animal species). Methods: This nationwide, cross-sectional, online survey of veterinarians in Germany was conducted between July 2021 and February 2023. A total of 1053 veterinarians were included in the analysis, which was conducted according to the respondents’ age, (<35 years, 35–45 years and >45 years), gender, workplace and veterinary specialisation. Sociodemographic and work-related data were collected, as were responses to questions regarding experiences of violence, which were differentiated between verbal abuse and physical violence. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric group comparisons (Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction, Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson’s chi-squared test). Results: Overall, 52.7% of veterinarians reported experiencing verbal abuse or physical violence at the hands of animal owners. Verbal abuse occurred, on average, more than three times per month, whereas physical violence was rare. Physical violence occurred significantly more frequently among middle-aged veterinarians (p < 0.001). The highest prevalence of verbal abuse or violence (72.5%, p < 0.001) was reported by veterinarians working in public authorities, while the lowest was reported by those working in laboratories. Conclusions: Workplace violence against veterinarians is a frequent occupational burden in Germany and highlights the urgent need for targeted prevention, de-escalation training and organisational support across veterinary settings.

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