Summary

In this vulnerable Tails of Truth episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo open up about the mental health challenges in veterinary medicine and the hidden struggles of running a small, independent practice. They share raw stories of burnout, the relentless demands of caregiving, and the financial and emotional toll that few outside the profession truly see. Together, they unpack the pressures of balancing deep compassion for pets and their people with the harsh realities of small business ownership. They also offer practical ways pet parents can show kindness and support to veterinary professionals — simple gestures that can make a big difference in sustaining the humans behind the care.

Key Takeaways

• Veterinary professionals are deeply compassionate — but compassion fatigue is real and often overlooked.
• Small practice ownership brings financial stress, constant pivots, and heavy administrative burdens.
• Many veterinarians feel forced to stretch themselves too thin to meet unrealistic client expectations.
• Veterinary nurses often work for wages lower than other service jobs, despite critical roles.
• A lack of boundaries and constant “on-call” demands can lead to burnout and breakdowns.
• Clients can support veterinary teams by respecting boundaries, paying for time, and shopping local.
• A simple thank you, card, or small act of appreciation can have a huge positive impact.
• Sustaining small vet practices requires community understanding — big-box retailers undercut them.
• Veterinary mental health must be part of the conversation for the sake of pets and people alike.

Sound Bites

“It’s exhausting. And it’s more than just the medicine.” — Dr. Angie

“I trained people that I was always on.” — JoJo

“Veterinarians are just people. Nurses are just people. We have a breaking point too.” — Dr. Angie

“I promise you, many veterinary nurses make less than my kid at McDonald’s.” — JoJo

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Summary

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo tackle the often confusing world of pet insurance — and they don’t always see eye to eye. Dr. Angie shares why she believes every pet owner should have insurance unless they have $10,000 ready to spend at any moment, while JoJo opens up about her skepticism around big insurance companies, hidden exclusions, and the extra burden on veterinary teams.

Despite being in different camps, they find common ground on what really matters: pets deserve access to care before money becomes a barrier. From personal stories to the fine print that can catch pet parents off guard, this honest conversation is a must-listen for anyone trying to decide if insurance is the right move for their family pets.

Key Takeaways

✅ Emergency vet bills can easily reach $10,000 or more — insurance helps if you don’t have liquid funds.
✅ Many policies exclude “pre-existing conditions,” so start early.
✅ Insurance is best for unexpected, big costs — not routine care.
✅ Some breeds (Labs, Frenchies) benefit more than others.
✅ The vet industry feels the strain of insurance paperwork.
✅ Care Credit and similar financing can be predatory.
✅ Insurance companies are for-profit — skepticism is fair.
✅ Always read the fine print!
✅ Choosing the right plan means knowing your pet’s risk level and your risk tolerance

🎙️ Soundbites

• “If you don’t have $10,000 on hand, you need insurance.” — Dr. Angie
• “Insurance is a gamble. It really is about your personality.” — Dr. Angie
• “Care Credit is awful. It’s predatory.” — JoJo
• “I just paid for that paperwork. I’ll never see that money again.” — Dr. Angie
• “Insurance companies are designed to be profitable — that’s it.” - JoJo
• “I just feel so skeptical about the whole move toward insurance in veterinary medicine.” - JoJo

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Summary

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo dive into the emotionally charged and essential topic of veterinary emergencies. From real-life stories to practical advice, they explore what it means to be prepared when your pet needs help—fast.

They discuss the critical difference between urgent care and true emergencies, how to plan ahead, and why having pet insurance can make all the difference in the moment. You’ll also hear why Dr. Angie loves open-concept emergency clinics like VEG, where you don’t have to hand your pet off to strangers behind closed doors.

Whether you're dealing with vomiting at midnight, a sudden limp, or something much scarier, this episode offers clear advice to help you feel more grounded and ready when the unexpected happens.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation saves lives—know your local emergency and urgent care options before you need them.
• Not every crisis is an emergency—knowing the difference helps you act with confidence.
• Pet insurance can ease financial pressure and allow you to make the best decision for your animal.
• Open-concept clinics like VEG allow pet parents to stay with their animals, which can reduce trauma for everyone.
• Keep a cat carrier ready at home.
• If something seems off with your pet, trust your gut—it’s always okay to check.
• Calling ahead can help you avoid valuable time if a clinic can’t handle your situation.

Sound Bites

"Get pet insurance!"

"If in doubt, just go!"

"You don’t want to be Googling ‘emergency vet near me’ at midnight."

"This is so important—it’s not if, it’s when."

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