The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging dog owners to consider how their use of the internet may affect veterinary teams, after research revealed one in two vets experienced online abuse last year. As part of their ‘Respect your vet team — end abuse’ campaign, the BVA wants to highlight the impact that harassment, trolling, and unfair reviews can have on the profession.
“We’re very aware that a visit to the vet may be an anxious and uncertain time for owners, particularly when the prognosis is poor, or the necessary treatment is costly, but it is absolutely unacceptable to take these frustrations out on veterinary staff,” said BVA president Justine Shotton, who added that a small minority are creating an intolerable environment.