The Consult Room

• Is Job Security Over in Veterinary Medicine? Redundancy and Its Impact on Animal Care

  Redundancy has never really been part of the veterinary conversation - until now.In this episode of The Consult Room, I’m joined by veterinary nurse Annie Clark, who shares her deeply personal experience of being made redundant. We talk about the emotional toll, the changing realities of job security in our sector, and what these shifts could mean for animal care, team wellbeing, and the future of the profession.I also offer my own reflections on the broader landscape, from workforce shortages to financial pressures, and explore how we can better support colleagues going through this difficult process.In This Episode:Annie's first-hand account of being made redundantWhy redundancies feel so foreign — and painful — in veterinary careHow job cuts affect team morale, patient care and mental healthThe rise of corporate cost-cutting and what it means for job stabilityWhy open communication and support systems are more important than everKey Takeaways:Redundancies are becoming more common across the veterinary professionExperienced team members are being lost, and not always replacedThe emotional fallout affects both those who leave and those who stayFinancially driven decisions may undermine long-term care qualityThere are support systems out there - and it’s vital to use themResources Mentioned:Vetlife – Mental health support for the veterinary communityACAS – Guidance on employee rights and redundancyBVU – British Veterinary Union – Advice and representation for veterinary staff💬 Have redundancies affected your team? Let us know in the comments or tag @‌DrPaulTheVet to share your experience.

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• Could Your Dog Land You in Court? Why Responsible Dog Ownership Matters

  Dog bites are on the rise in the UK and many owners have no idea their dog could land them on the wrong side of the law.In this episode of The Consult Room, I speak with Gemma Taylor, an experienced animal welfare expert from Blue Cross. We explore what’s really behind the increase in dog bite incidents, the complex laws that apply, and what every dog owner should know to keep their dog (and the public) safe.Gemma also shares insights from the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDoC), a police-referred programme that is changing the way we educate owners—and reducing reoffending rates to zero.Whether you're a new dog owner or a lifelong pet parent, this is an essential listen.In This Episode:Why dog bites have increased since the COVID-19 pandemicThe surprising legal definition of a “dangerous dog”Common mistakes that land owners in legal troubleHow breed, recall, and lead use affect riskWhy responsible ownership starts with training and awarenessHow the Blue Cross RDoC course is transforming outcomesKey Takeaways:One in four people will experience a dog bite in their lifetimeThe law doesn’t require a bite—just fear—to deem a dog dangerousOwners can be held liable even if their dog was provoked or didn't cause injuryProper training, control, and socialisation are essentialBlue Cross’s education-first approach is working—with 0% reoffendingResources and More Info:Visit bluecross.org.uk and explore the Advice section for dog safety and training tipsWatch practical guidance on the Blue Cross YouTube channelFollow @‌DrPaulTheVet for more insights and updates🎙️ Enjoyed the episode?Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.💬 Got questions or stories about dog ownership? Share them in the comments or tag me on social media

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• Meet The Animal People : Dr Paul Manktelow

  It’s collaboration time and in this special episode, Dr Paul joins Chris Watling as a guest for the launch of the Meet the Animal People podcast. Together, they explore Paul’s personal journey through the veterinary world, from a childhood fascination with wildlife, through the challenges of vet school, to a career that spans clinical practice, charity leadership, and media work.They also reflect on communication, mental health, diversity in the veterinary profession, and how staying connected to a personal mission can make all the difference.In This Episode, We Explore:Why early work experiences (even outside of veterinary practice) build critical communication skillsThe importance of diversity and inclusion in the veterinary sectorHow separating personal identity from your job can support mental healthWhy charity work offers a different kind of fulfilment for veterinary professionalsChanging dynamics in pet ownership and access to veterinary careKey Takeaways:Communication with pet owners is as important as clinical skillDiversity in the veterinary profession is improving, but more work is neededMental health challenges are real and creating work-life boundaries mattersCharity roles can amplify impact by supporting communities and animal welfareFailure is part of growth and resilience comes from embracing setbacksRelated Links and Resources:Find the full episode on Meet the Animal People here: Episode 2 – Paul ManktelowConnect with Dr. Paul Manktelow on social media: ⁠@DrPaulTheVet⁠Visit the website for blogs and insights: ⁠theconsultroom.co.uk⁠Engage With Us:💬 What part of Paul's journey resonated most with you? We would love to hear your thoughts.📲 Follow ⁠@DrPaulTheVet⁠ for more insights and check out Chris Watling’s Meet the Animal People podcast for more inspiring conversations from the world of animal care.🎙️ Thank you for tuning in. Please follow and leave a review. It really helps others discover these important conversations.

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• Should Vets Have a Voice in the Assisted Dying Debate?

  The Assisted Dying Bill is currently under debate in UK Parliament, with strong public support but also deep ethical concerns. But one profession has been left out of the discussion - veterinary surgeons.As someone who has performed euthanasia countless times, I ask: Should vets have a voice in this debate?In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore:The key provisions of the Assisted Dying Bill and its potential impact.How euthanasia decisions in veterinary medicine differ from human assisted dying.Why quality of life plays a central role in veterinary end-of-life care—but not in the current human model.The emotional burden of euthanasia—on vets, doctors, and families.Whether vets’ expertise in assessing suffering could offer valuable insights into this complex debate.This is a sensitive, thought-provoking discussion about life, death, and dignity—through the lens of a profession that makes these decisions every day.💡 Takeaways:The Assisted Dying Bill proposes medical assistance for terminally ill adults.Public support remains strong, with 75% in favour.Unlike human medicine, veterinary euthanasia is based on suffering and quality of life, not just terminal illness.Ethical concerns include coercion, emotional burden on doctors, and patient autonomy.Vets have extensive experience in assessing pain, suffering, and end-of-life decisions.The veterinary profession has not been consulted in the Assisted Dying Bill discussions.The debate raises critical questions about how we define suffering and dignity in both human and animal medicine.🔗 Related Links and Resources:UK Parliament Assisted Dying Bill OverviewDignity in Dying – Public Campaign for Assisted DyingRoyal College of Physicians – Assisted Dying PositionBVA Ethics Discussion on End-of-Life Decision Making📲 Engage With Us:💬 What’s your take on the Assisted Dying Bill? Should vets have a say in this debate? Let me know in the comments.📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes.🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.You’ll find all relevant links in the show notes.If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review, it really helps others discover the podcast.For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or visit theconsultroom.co.uk.

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• Are Big Corporates Driving Up Vet Costs? Inside the CMA’s Vet Sector Inquiry.

  In this episode of The Consult Room, we explore the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the rising costs of veterinary care across the UK. Join me as I break down the complex issues facing the sector, from corporate consolidation and price transparency to the financial strain on pet owners.Drawing on over two decades of experience in the charity veterinary sector, I discuss the implications for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare. From skyrocketing vet fees and pet insurance premiums to media portrayals of the profession, this conversation delves into the root causes of the affordability crisis and potential solutions that the CMA’s report may offer.💡 Takeaways: The CMA’s investigation aims to address rising vet care costs. Corporate consolidation has drastically changed the veterinary landscape. Pet owners face rising vet fees and insurance premiums, creating financial stress. Pricing transparency could empower pet owners to make informed decisions. Media coverage has contributed to misconceptions about vet costs and services. Many veterinary professionals face burnout due to industry pressures. Delayed veterinary visits caused by financial concerns can worsen pet health. The CMA’s report may lead to significant reforms in pricing and competition.🔗 Related Links and Resources: Competition and Markets Authority: Official Investigation Announcement British Veterinary Association’s Response to the CMA Inquiry PDSA Paw Report 2023: Veterinary Access and Affordability Vet Record: Analysis of Corporate Consolidation📲 Engage With Us:💬 What’s your take on the CMA investigation? Join the conversation on social media—let me know your thoughts and experiences.📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favourite platform to stay updated on future episodes.🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.You’ll find all relevant links to this conversation in the show notes.If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or check out my website at theconsultroom.co.uk.

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