“It takes a certain personality to be able to do this day in, day out, and this job does not get easier with time,”
says Dr Rina Maguire, a veterinary specialist in exotic companion mammals and exotic pet medicine, highlighting the challenges faced by veterinarians in Singapore. With a growing pet population and increasing pet owner expectations, the role of a veterinarian has become increasingly demanding, yet the commitment to animal care remains unwavering. Singapore is home to a thriving pet community, with over 114,000 dog owners and 94,000 cat owners, according to a report by data analytics company Euromonitor International. The increasing demand for veterinary services has led to a significant rise in the number of licensed veterinarians, with 474 practicing in the country, according to the Singapore Veterinary Association. However, the high attrition rate among veterinarians poses a significant challenge to the industry. The Singapore Veterinary Association reported that the attrition rate remains high due to burnout caused by long working hours, short break times, compassion fatigue, psychological and emotional stress, and increasing pet owner expectations.
- Dr Rina Maguire, 44, of Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital, notes that resilience is an essential trait for veterinarians.
- Resilience helps with mental health, and it is a must-have quality for those who want to excel in this profession.
- The vet of 15 years emphasizes the importance of resilience, stating that it really does help with your mental health.
A survey of veterinarians reveals that many face similar challenges, including:
- Long working hours
- Short break times
- Compassion fatigue
- Psychological and emotional stress
- Increasing pet owner expectations
Despite these challenges, many veterinarians in Singapore remain committed to their work, driven by their love for animals and a desire to make a positive impact on their patients’ lives. “It’s a tough job, but it’s worth it,” says Dr Sandhya Nair, a veterinarian at clinic Oasis Vet. Dr Nair emphasizes that the rewards of being a veterinarian far outweigh the challenges, citing the joy and satisfaction she derives from helping animals and their owners.
| 1 | Burnout and stress |
| 2 | Low pay and benefits |
| 3 | Lack of job satisfaction |
| 4 | Competition from other professions |
| 5 | Unstable work environment |
Dr Travis Jayson, 46, of the Singapore Police Force’s K-9 Unit, shares his own story of becoming a veterinarian.
Growing up, Dr Jayson was posted to the Singapore Police Force’s K-9 Unit during his national service, where he developed a love for dogs and learned some medical knowledge from a para-veterinarian.
“I always wanted to be a policeman, so I signed on to be a canine officer at the Singapore Police Force,”
Dr Jayson explains, highlighting the unexpected turn his life took. Despite the challenges, Dr Jayson remained committed to his work and eventually became a veterinarian, specializing in caring for dogs and learning from experienced veterinarians. Dr Kelly Yeo, 37, of The Gentle Vet, shares her own story of becoming a veterinarian.
Dr Yeo’s love for animals was sparked by the loss of her two beloved childhood dogs, Munchie and Elmo, who passed away within a year of each other.
“I had her when I was about 12, and she would sleep with me every night. Her favourite place to sleep on my bed was atop my head,”
Dr Yeo remembers, highlighting the strong bond she shared with her dogs. Dr Yeo’s experience with geriatric and palliative care led her to co-found The Gentle Vet in 2022, which specializes in providing compassionate care to senior pets and their owners. Dr Rina Maguire, 44, and Dr Sandhya Nair, 38, are just two of the many veterinarians in Singapore who are dedicated to their work and passionate about animal care.
Despite the challenges they face, these veterinarians remain committed to their work, driven by their love for animals and a desire to make a positive impact on their patients’ lives. “It’s a tough job, but it’s worth it,” says Dr Nair, echoing the sentiments of her colleague, Dr Maguire. “It takes a certain personality to be able to do this day in, day out, and this job does not get easier with time,” Dr Maguire adds, highlighting the resilience needed to succeed in this profession. As the veterinary community in Singapore continues to grow and evolve, these veterinarians will remain a vital part of it, dedicated to providing top-notch care to animals and their owners.
“The rewards of being a veterinarian far outweigh the challenges,” says Dr Yeo, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and dedication to animal care.
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