New AHPC Study Highlights Widespread Client Aggression Toward Veterinarians

A new study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research by AHPC Co- Director Lori Kogan, PhD, and collaborator Mark Rishniw, PhD, reveals that client- perpetrated aggression is a near-universal occupational experience among veterinarians, with substantial psychological and professional consequences.

Surveying 1,125 veterinarians, the study found that 99% had experienced verbal abuse from clients, 38% had been physically threatened, 12% had experienced client stalking, and 4% had been physically harmed. These experiences were associated with intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion, with more than one-third of respondents reporting they had considered
leaving the profession because of client verbal abuse.

The study also identified important gaps in workplace support. Fewer than half of respondents reported having clear workplace policies for managing client aggression or formal reporting systems, and 57% had never received de-escalation training. Respondents consistently identified stronger workplace policies, improved communication training, leadership support, and better access to mental health
resources as priorities for the profession.

The findings underscore that client aggression is not simply an individual workplace challenge but a profession-wide issue requiring coordinated organizational, educational, and policy responses to better protect veterinary teams.

Citation
Kogan, L. R., & Rishniw, M. (2026). Client-perpetrated aggression in veterinary practice:
Prevalence, psychological impact, and institutional response. American Journal of
Veterinary Research. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0121