Veterinary clinics have the power to drive meaningful change. By implementing policies and practices that champion gender equality, break down stereotypes, and provide strong support, they can foster a more inclusive and empowering work environment.

From fostering mentorship opportunities to advocating for fair wages and flexible work arrangements, every step toward equity strengthens the profession as a whole. Here’s how clinics can take action to ensure women in veterinary medicine feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

  1. Champion Gender Equality:
    It’s important that women in veterinary medicine receive equal pay, opportunities for advancement, and proper recognition. This means closing the gender pay gap, creating fair promotion paths, and ensuring women’s achievements are acknowledged just as much as their male counterparts, regardless of role or experience.
    Engage in open conversations with your female employees to understand their experiences and the challenges they face. By actively listening and using this knowledge to build a more supportive environment, you can contribute to meaningful change within the industry.

  2. Break Down Stereotypes:
    Challenging outdated stereotypes and biases is key to fostering a safe and supportive work environment. Women in veterinary medicine should be recognized for their skills, expertise, and contributions—not confined by outdated assumptions.
    By embracing and nurturing each woman’s potential, we create a culture where they can authentically excel. A truly inclusive workplace is one where women are free from harassment, discrimination, and bias, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the profession at their fullest potential.

  3. Hire Inclusively & Advocate for Policy Change:
    Creating an inclusive and safe workplace starts with intentional hiring practices and strong policies that support diversity. Clinics should prioritize skills, qualifications, and passion for veterinary medicine over unconscious biases, ensuring individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities have equal opportunities to succeed.
    Equitable policies—such as flexible parental and sick leave, anti-discrimination training, and fair promotion pathways—help break down barriers and create a workplace where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. A diverse and inclusive team not only strengthens the veterinary profession but also enhances the quality of care provided to the communities we serve.

  4. Promote Women in Leadership:
    Actively encouraging women in your practice to pursue leadership and professional growth is essential for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic veterinary profession.
    Support their advancement by recognizing potential, providing mentorship for specializations, and guiding them toward clinic-specific leadership pathways, such as lead, supervisor, or management roles. Creating opportunities for women to develop and excel not only empowers individuals but also enriches the profession with diverse perspectives and stronger leadership.

  5. Ensure Access to Support Systems:
    Mental health and work-life support are essential to creating a sustainable and safe workplace. Encouraging the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and health and wellness resources provided by the ABVMA and ABVTA ensures that staff have access to the support they need.
    Taking the time to understand these resources—and making sure your staff knows about them—helps create a culture that values well-being, reduces burnout, and empowers women to thrive in veterinary medicine long term.

Creating an equitable and supportive workplace isn’t just about fairness—it’s about strengthening the veterinary profession as a whole. By championing gender equality, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring access to leadership and wellness support, clinics can cultivate an environment where women thrive. As an industry, we must continue to challenge outdated norms and build workplaces that reflect the talent, dedication, and resilience of the women who shape veterinary medicine every day. Together, we can create lasting change that benefits not only women but the entire veterinary community.

 

This article was written by Madison Furness, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association.