Animal Studies

A Call to Life aims to help veterinary caregivers increase self-efficacy, decrease unnecessary suffering, and increase sustainability in their mission to support animal health around the world. The veterinary profession is powered by dedicated, bright, and selfless individuals. Unfortunately, the long-standing and dysfunctional culture in classrooms and practices around the world expects veterinary caregivers to be ready to sacrifice everything – their time, their health, their personal lives – in the name of being deemed qualified and ‘worthy'. Integrating real-life stories from a range of veterinary caregivers with evidence-based theory, practical activities, discussion and reflection points, and insights drawn from the author's own experiences, the book empowers veterinarians by showing that they have the ability and the control to choose a healthier way forward for themselves and for their profession. It describes how to: Normalize the conversation around mental and emotional health challenges in caregiving environments

Each year, many thousands of animals are taken into rescue centres and animal shelters around the world. Some will have suffered neglect or cruelty, others relinquished because their owners are no longer able to cope with caring for a much-loved pet. Many owners will require support and guidance in meeting their animals'needs and helping them thrive in environments which can sometimes be challenging. Often animal welfare and veterinary staff are affected deeply by the decisions that they need to make on a daily basis and are at risk from a whole range of emotional health issues. This book examines the risks to the emotional well-being of animal welfare staff and veterinary professionals. It provides practical solutions, coping strategies and various techniques aimed at restoring a work-life balance as well as giving guidance on creating healthy approaches to self-care for the emotionally challenging work undertaken by anyone working directly with animals. There is: · Practical advice on recognising the risks such as compassion fatigue, burnout and imposter syndrome · Guidance on creating emotional resilience through healthy coping strategies · Down-to-earth advice on supporting front line team members and public-facing animal care teams · A range of case studies by experts that help give professionals the strength to make positive changes An invaluable and important text for veterinary professionals, animal rescue workers, pet behaviour counsellors and dog training instructors, as well as support, administrative and front-line animal care teams.