Animal welfare and veterinary professionals face uniquely high risks of compassion fatigue, burnout, and suicide due to daily exposure to animal trauma and euthanasia, stress from the inability to meet community needs, and challenging interactions with community members who often don’t fully understand the work we do. The listing below connect you to a variety of resources from crisis lines, to support services, and financial programs.
Not One More Vet- Mental health services for veterinary professionals
211maine.org – Comprehensive listing of mental health, crisis and support services across Maine. Call 211, text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org This resource can also help connect you with local heating, housing, and financial programs.
NAMI Maine Resource Database- searchable database of providers and support services
Crisis Support Helplines:
- Maine Crisis Line: 888-568-1112
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
- Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-834-4357
- Sexual Assault Support: 1-800-871-7741
- Teen Text Line: Youth support on a variety of topics: 207-515-8398
- Intentional Peer Support Warmline: Support from those with lived experience with mental health conditions: 866-771-9276
- The FrontLine WarmLine: Supports for health care workers and first responders: (207) 221-8196 or 866-367-4440
Jen Howlett, Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCPC-C), The Family Center of Maine. Specializes in supporting animal welfare professionals, including individuals experiencing grief, trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, and moral distress, all challenges common in animal care and protection work. Currently accepting new clients (in-person in South Portland and virtually). To schedule, individuals can call or use the link below: 207-870-9720 https://thefamilycenterofme.com/new-patient-inquiry/ (Select South Portland and request Jen Howlett)
Jessica Dolce- 7 Ways to Support Mental Health in the Animal Welfare Community
Compassion in Balance- National resource list
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project– includes awareness self tests
To Save A Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior
Compassion Fatigue Workbook (PDF)
The Individual Animal Podcast – “We Need to Talk About Behavior Euthanasia” episode
Compassion Consortium– virtual support groups and resources
Vancouver Humane Society- free online course called Caring for Yourself and Others: Preventing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
OVC Pet Loss Support Resource Center – pet loss grief resources
Losing Lulu Facebook support group
State of Maine Financial Assistance Programs
