9 facts about the veterinary team

NO BULL

Team terrorists come in all shapes and sizes. While you may not find any telltale boxing gloves in their lockers, you've probably encountered at least one in practice. 49% of team members say they've been bullied. 8% say they've been the bully.

HIGH TIMES

Sixty percent of team members have suspected a co-worker of abusing drugs or alcohol.

17% say they've suspected a doctor, and 4% say they've abused drugs or alcohol.

MEN ARE FROM MARS

... but women may be slightly better at firing. 58% of team members say the female veterinarians at their practice are up to the task of disciplining or firing, while 57% think their male veterinarian can get the job done.

DEAR JOHN

Breaking up is hard to do, and most practices don't do it in person. 42% of team members say their practice has fired by mail, and the veterinarian is the most likely person to do the firing.

SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE

You may think you're putting out the welcome mat, but does your attitude really say, "Go away"? 65% of team members say they were happy when their practice hired a new team member. 29% were indifferent.

PETS IN PASSING

It's tough to say goodbye. Perhaps that's why 24% of practices will perform euthanasia upon request, no questions asked. 71% of euthanasia requests are for pets that no longer enjoy a good quality of life and 27% are for pets that are terminally ill.

BIG WHOPPERS

Sure, Fluffy got a bath. And Brutus is just the prettiest little Chinese Crested you've ever seen. About 38% of team members say someone at their practice has lied to a client, and 78% say a co-worker has lied to them.

COUNTING THE COST OF PETS

So how many is too many? 38% of team members say they think some staff members acquire more pets than they can afford. 17% say they would be less likely to provide the same level of medical care to their own animals if they didn't work in veterinary medicine.

GOSSIP AND TARDINESS AND JEALOUSY—OH MY!

Maybe no one's talking about it, but if any of these behaviors are happening in your practice, everyone knows. 48% of team members say a member of their team intentionally incites conflict, and 31% say the owner or manager ignores the problem.