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Client-perpetrated aggression in veterinary practice: prevalence, psychological impact, and institutional response
1College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Client aggression is a near-universal problem for veterinarians, causing significant psychological distress and leading many to consider leaving the profession. Improved workplace policies and training are urgently needed to address this issue.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Client-perpetrated aggression is a significant occupational hazard in veterinary medicine.
- Understanding the frequency and consequences of this aggression is crucial for veterinarian well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize client-perpetrated aggression in veterinarians.
- To assess its psychological and behavioral effects.
- To examine workplace policies and training related to aggression.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous online survey distributed via Veterinary Information Network.
- Collected data on lifetime exposure to client aggression (verbal abuse, threats, harm, stalking).
- Analyzed psychological symptoms, professional impacts, behavioral adaptations, and workplace factors using regression and chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- 98.9% of veterinarians experienced verbal abuse; 38.2% faced physical threats; 4.1% suffered physical harm; 11.8% reported stalking.
- Common psychological symptoms include intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and anxiety.
- 34.5% considered leaving the profession due to verbal abuse; female veterinarians reported higher aggression rates.
Conclusions:
- Client aggression is a widespread occupational experience for veterinarians with lasting psychological impacts.
- There are critical deficiencies in workplace infrastructure, training, and mental health support.
- Profession-wide policies, de-escalation training, and improved governance are recommended.
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