The Big Chill Survey Results: Veterinary Professionals Share Insights on Improving Staff and Patient Wellbeing
NVS Group recently conducted “The Big Chill” survey to better understand how veterinary professionals manage stress in both their animal patients and their own lives. The survey, which ran through September and October 2024, asked respondents to offer tips and advice for handling anxious animals and managing their own wellbeing.
The results of the survey provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by veterinary professionals and highlight potential areas for improvement in both staff and patient wellbeing.

Key Findings
- 43% of vets and vet nurses believe staff wellbeing could be improved within their practice.
- 93% of respondents agreed that it is important for staff wellbeing to be taken seriously.
- 92% of vets encounter nervous or stressed animals daily.
- 82% of vets use medications and supplements, in addition to appropriate handling techniques, to support nervous animals.
Improving Staff Wellbeing
Respondents shared their most common strategies for improving wellbeing at work:
- Taking regular breaks
- Maintaining a manageable workload
- Fostering a supportive environment and positive team culture
- Engaging in out-of-work team activities
- Practicing personal self-care, such as fitness and hobbies
- Expressing gratitude and recognising others’ hard work

Handling Stressed and Nervous Animals
Vets and vet nurses reported using various techniques to handle anxious animals:
- Offering treats
- Taking their time
- Staying calm and quiet
- Using pet remedy products
- Administering medications (e.g., gabapentin) and supplements
- Employing environmental interventions, such as pheromone sprays, thunder shirts, and dark, quiet spaces

Featured products from the Big Chill
Download Our Free Resource
To further support veterinary professionals and pet owners, we have compiled the advice given by vets on how owners can help their nervous pets into a handy downloadable resource, available free to all veterinary professionals.

Discover Pet Health and Wellbeing

Calming and Separation Anxiety
Behaviours associated with separation anxiety can be difficult to manage. Fortunately, many products are available to help.

Autumn & Winter Health
We have a wide range of products that can help with safeguarding pets’ health and wellbeing during the darker & colder months of the autumn & winter