Alex vet offers to mentor newcomers

Clare Hislop is a veterinarian, running her own practice, The Pet Doctor (formerly Main Street Vets) in Alexandra, Central Otago.

She has worked in Alexandra for seven years and although she is passionate about her work, knows first-hand the stresses involved with being a vet.

"I do it because I enjoy it and like the quality of life here," Mrs Hislop said.

"However, the close bonds clients have with their pets put vets under a lot of pressure to have a good outcome, but we are never going to be able to win in every situation."

Dealing with upset owners of badly injured animals and trying to save animals that were not going to be saved could also be highly emotional, she said.

She said she tried to maintain an emotional distance, but she had been known to "have a cry with the clients".

"I try not to get involved too much, but I do sometimes go home and have a bit of a bawl.

"The more you have to do with owners and their animals, the more you get attached."

She said the main pressure was the call-outs after hours.

"I am grateful I share after-hours call-outs with another practice, but for the first three years, when I first arrived, I did it 24/7."

Running her own small business means she has to "be a jack of all trades".

"It is the same with any small business."

She said when owning a small business there were pressures to ensure there was enough money generated to pay staff, cover administration, bills and the retail side as well as make a profit.

"Veterinarians are more poorly paid compared to other professions."

She has a one-week holiday a year, although she does try to take three-day weekends when possible.

She has three daughters and tries to spend as much time as possible with them.

"It is very difficult for any vet to get locum cover if they want to have time off."

Mrs Hislop ensures she looks after herself so she is better able to look after her clients.

"I do have time out, and like to spend time with my family and extended family, talk to other people, eat healthily, get exercise or even have a nice hot bath to remove myself from the work environment."

She has put herself forward as a mentor for less experienced vets, but has not had much opportunity to do so in Alexandra.