The Veterinary Compassion Project with Dr. Erin Holder on Your Natural Dog Podcast
In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.
Episode Recap:
- The Veterinary Compassion Project and its mission
- Understanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinarians
- Why veterinary schools should address mental health early in education
- Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout
- The importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionals
- Burnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the profession
- How the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food production
- Tools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinarians
- How pet parents can support their veterinarians
- Tips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnout
- Announcing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
- The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnout
Episode Resources:
- Veterinary Compassion Project
- VCP Restorative Retreat 2025
- VCP Resources for Veterinarians
- Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]
- CBD Dog Health
- Follow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.
Angela is the founder and formulator behind CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.
Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.
About Dr. Erin Holder
Dr. Erin Holder graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, launching a remarkable career that blended her passion for wildlife conservation and integrative veterinary medicine. As a veterinary hospital owner, Dr. Holder cared for a wide range of animals and appeared on National Geographic Wild: Unlikely Animal Friends. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, she sold her hospital and began a deep exploration of healing, focusing on providing support to fellow animal care professionals.
Her mission now is to offer concrete tools to combat compassion fatigue, using techniques such as meditation, trauma healing, and energy work to bring balance back into the lives of those who care for animals.