In this week’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Nell for a deeply human, heart-opening conversation that every pet parent and veterinarian needs to hear. We explore a topic that often gets overlooked—the emotional well-being of vets. Dr. Nell shares the mission behind the CALM Movement (Conscious Animal Lovers Movement) and how healing isn’t just about the medicine we use but also the energy, intention, and presence we bring into the room. We talk about burnout, the often unsustainable pace of conventional practice, and what begins to shift when vets slow down and offer each patient a little more of their time. This episode can help you and your vet navigate the challenges that come with helping a pet heal and find a way forward together as a team.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ How healing really is a shared journey between pet, pet parent, and their vet and how the energy each person brings matters.

✨ How our emotional state, stress, and even unspoken tension between the team can directly impact our pet’s ability to heal.

✨ How CALM (Conscious Animal Lovers Movement) was founded by Dr. Allen Schoen to raise awareness about how energy, presence, and frequency influence healing outcomes.

✨ How choosing a different model and slowing down veterinary appointments allows for deeper care, stronger relationships, and better results.

✨ How time stress is one of the biggest contributors to burnout for vets and also the reason so many pet parents leave the vet without their questions getting answered.

✨ How easy little practices like taking three deep breaths or stepping outside for one minute can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight into calm presence.

✨ How when pet parents share what matters most to them (like sleep, comfort, quality of life), it helps vets tailor care more effectively.

✨ How slow, present, preventative care is often more effective (and more financially sustainable) than rushing to fit more patients into the day.

✨ And Dr. Lily and Dr. Nell share their top tips for navigating uncomfortable conversations and moments where you and your vet don’t see eye to eye.

RESOURCES: The Vetiverse is Dr. Nell’s online training platform for vets

https://www.thevetiverse.com/en/latest/author/nell-ostermeier/

FOLLOW:

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com/

Dr. Nell Ostermeier: @people.and.pet

Dr. Nell Ostermeier : https://www.peopleandpet.com/

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @the.unicorn.vet

Listen to the Episode