On Saturday 25 April, we’ll be celebrating World Veterinary Day – a global movement to recognise the impact vets have on the lives of pets and their people.

This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”, is a reminder of the role we play – not just caring for individual animals, but protecting the health of communities, supporting safe food systems, and contributing to public health.

For us, it’s also a chance to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on the work that My Family Vet – and teams across Australia – do every single day.

From first vaccinations and unexpected emergencies to routine check-ups and those harder, emotional moments, being part of your pet’s life is something we never take for granted.

Why veterinary care matters

We know your pets are family, because we see how much you love them every day in our clinic. Rather than simply treating illness, we’re here to:

• Help prevent problems before they start
  
  
• Support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing
  
  
• Guide you through important (and sometimes difficult) decisions
  
  
• Be a reassuring presence when things feel uncertain

Our focus is building trust, offering support and helping you feel confident when it comes to your pet – so you know you can always count on us.

Behind the scenes

Australia is one of the highest pet-owning countries in the world, but there aren’t enough vets and nurses to meet that demand.

In the clinic, that often means busy days and doing everything we can to fit in urgent cases. And sometimes, it means asking for your patience when things don’t run to schedule.

Here are five things you might not know about being a vet in this country…

1. We’re outnumbered

There are more pets than people in Australia, let alone vets, which means no two days are ever the same. We might move from routine check-ups straight into urgent care, often without a break in between.

2. Burnout is real

We absolutely love what we do – but caring for sick and injured animals, supporting families, and sometimes having to say goodbye can take an emotional toll. Kindness and understanding from clients makes more difference than you might realise.

3. Vet clinics are like mini hospitals

When you walk through our doors, you’re stepping into a space that’s equipped for everything from diagnostics and surgery to dental care and imaging – often across multiple species.

4. We treat more than just cats and dogs

From rabbits and birds to reptiles and pocket pets, we’re trained to care for a wide range of animals – all with different needs, conditions and challenges.

5. There’s no Medicare for pets

Unlike human healthcare, veterinary care isn’t subsidised. The equipment, training and team required to provide quality care is significant, and we’re always working to balance that with making care as accessible as possible.

How you can help

If you’ve ever trusted us with your pet’s care, World Vet Day is a great time to show your support. Here are some ways you can help us feel the love:

• Leaving a Google review
  
  
• Sharing your experience on social media
  
  
• Being patient and understanding on busy days
  
  
• Staying on top of preventative care
  
  
• Considering pet insurance for unexpected costs

We notice these things, and they genuinely mean a lot to our team.

Thank you

To our vets, nurses and support staff – thank you for the care, dedication and warmth you bring to both My Family Vet and the profession as a whole.

And to our clients, thank you for trusting us with your pets. It’s a privilege we never take for granted.

Here’s to another wonderful year of helping your furry friends thrive.

P.S. Want to know more about our caring team? Read their stories here.