105. The Veterinary Compassion Project with Dr. Erin Holder
In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.
Episode Recap:
Episode Recap:
- The Veterinary Compassion Project and its mission
- Understanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinarians
- Why veterinary schools should address mental health early in education
- Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout
- The importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionals
- Burnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the profession
- How the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food production
- Tools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinarians
- How pet parents can support their veterinarians
- Tips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnout
- Announcing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
- The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnout
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Note: Like all discount codes, they don't last furever!
Episode Resources:
- Veterinary Compassion Project
- VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
- VCP Resources for Veterinarians
- Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at Info@AngelaArdolino.com
- Angela Ardolino
- CBD Dog Health
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years. Angela owns and operates Fire Flake Farm, her animal rescue farm, as well as her two locations of a natural pet salon and shop, Beautify the Beast, and is founder of CBD Dog Health, which offers high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets and MycoDog, a line of mushroom extract and adaptogen tinctures for dogs. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Angela also founded the House of Alchemy, LLC, Miami Children’s Theater, and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. In 2013, Angela was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and knew that she needed to find alternatives to the toxic medications being offered to her. After hearing of the benefits of CBD oil and experiencing the life-changing results first hand, Angela set out to destigmatize medical cannabis and CBD oil so she could spread awareness around its holistic healing powers.
