HOW TO SET EFFECTIVE BOUNDARIES

IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO. Two simple letters. So much power. Decide where your limit is and then stick to it. Some people will always push for more.

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ONLY. We love our clients and their pets, but we can’t worry about them 24/7. Provide the best care when pets are under your care, then release them into their parent’s care.

IT’S COMPASSIONATE TO SET BOUNDARIES.  While it may seem kind to avoid confrontation, it’s actually more compassionate to verbalize boundaries to clients and co-workers, so they can support you instead of being a cause for resentment.

YOU CAN’T CONTROL OTHERS. YOU CAN CONTROL YOU. Clients may push boundaries by engaging in “shop talk” at the grocery store or finding you on social media. You make the choice whether to engage or accept the request.

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES. Make a list of your top priorities, and set boundaries to reflect those priorities. They may include attending your kids’ games, making time to work out, or eating dinner with your partner… and you can’t honor those priorities by saying yes to every client or co-worker.

LEAVE WORK ON TIME. There will always be “just one more” client who needs you. Leaving work on time means you’re choosing to prioritize yourself and your family. If you choose to stay on, make sure it’s on your terms.

LEAVE WORK AT WORK. Being a vet may be your life calling, but it shouldn’t take over your entire life. Leave work at the office and trust your team to care for the animals when you’re not around.

SEEK SUPPORT. Share your boundaries with co-workers so they can help you stay accountable to them. 

DON’T OVER-EXPLAIN. While support is crucial, you don’t need permission or validation from co-workers. State your needs and seek to understand theirs - information, not justification.

FOLLOW THROUGH ON CONSEQUENCES. Once you’ve clearly articulated your boundaries, follow through. Don’t continue to enable what may now be intentional harm.