Dear animal lovers,

Whether you’re a loyal reader of the Flair & cie online magazine, visit one of our veterinary clinics, or have come across our animal health content while searching the web, I’d like to make a very special request of you.

But first, I simply want to say thank you.

Every day, we receive messages from readers thanking us for an article, a helpful piece of information, or simply for helping them better understand their pet’s health. Today, our content reaches tens of thousands of people every month. For a French-language magazine dedicated to animal health, that is an incredible privilege.

But what makes me even prouder is the quality of the conversations we have with you. In five years, we can count the negative comments we’ve received on one hand. Together, we’ve built a community that is curious, respectful, and deeply caring.

And that is precisely why I’m reaching out to you today.

In recent weeks, the media have reported a troubling reality: nearly 70% of veterinarians say they have experienced disrespectful behaviour in the course of their work. Animal health technicians, receptionists, and other members of veterinary teams are also facing an increasing number of difficult situations.

We absolutely need to reverse this trend. First and foremost, for the people involved, of course. But also for the animals, who are the first to feel the consequences of these tensions.

Throughout my career as a veterinarian, two experiences have stayed with me in particular.

The first happened during an emergency involving a cat in critical condition. While I was trying to stabilize him, his owner was yelling at me and saying extremely hurtful things.

At one point, I simply told him, “Sir, you’re making it difficult for me to focus. I need to be completely focused right now to care for your cat.”

I truly meant it.

In an emergency, every minute counts. Every decision requires our full attention. When a member of the veterinary team is shaken by aggression or insults, the care we provide can suffer as a result.

I also remember performing an emergency surgery after the clinic had closed for the day.

A dog had swallowed a foreign object. Part of his intestine had already become necrotic, and I had to remove it. It was a long, highly technical, and demanding procedure. The anaesthesia had been unstable, the animal had been suffering for quite some time and, without surgery, he would have died within twelve hours. That surgery saved his life.

Had he needed to be transferred to an emergency centre, the cost to his family would have been much higher. At the end of the procedure, I was happy. Proud of what our entire team had accomplished.

When I called the owner, I expected a thank-you, questions about the surgery, or questions about postoperative care.

Instead, his first reaction was to insult me because of the cost of the procedure. I cried that day.

I understand that veterinary care often comes with intense emotions. Worry, fear, financial constraints, and even difficult past experiences are very real. No one is questioning that.

But it’s essential that we talk about these things.

Talk to your veterinary team about your financial limitations, your concerns, your expectations, your priorities, or your past experiences. Tell us what scares you. Tell us what worries you. Tell us what needs more explanation. Everything can be discussed, explained, and understood.

On one condition: that these conversations remain respectful.

I also encourage you to consider pet health insurance. It can provide valuable peace of mind. It won’t take away the emotions that come when your pet becomes ill, but it can help you make decisions based on your companion’s needs without financial considerations becoming the only deciding factor.

When a pet owner becomes reluctant to seek veterinary care because of concerns about cost, fear of judgement, or a previous negative experience, or when the relationship becomes confrontational, the greatest loss is felt neither by the client nor by the veterinary team. It’s the animal who suffers most.

So today, I’m asking you to continue showing your veterinary team the same respect and kindness that you have naturally shown us over the years by following Flair & cie.

Let’s give our animals what they deserve most: the very best of ourselves.