Let's Talk Veterinary Team Building Activities (And why it doesn't have to make you cringe!)
- Dr. Katie Ford MRCVS
- May 13
- 5 min read
Cue the collective eye roll...
We get it. The moment someone mentions veterinary "team building," half your team probably just pictured themselves falling backwards into a colleague's arms while chanting trust mantras.... or worse still, building a raft.
But what if we told you team building could actually be... dare we say it... enjoyable?
Here at Vet Empowered, we're all about keeping things real, authentic, and wonderfully human – just like you lovely humans working in vet med every single day.
Here's the Thing About Vet Life...
Let's be honest for a hot minute. Veterinary medicine isn't exactly a walk in the park (unless that walk involves searching for an injured squirrel while wearing scrubs). Between the emotional highs and lows of patient care, the never-ending to-do lists, and those days when everything seems to happen at once – we could all use a little more human connection.
And if you're the practice manager, lead vet, or head nurse who's been handed the "organise some team building" task (because apparently you don't have enough on your plate already!), then this one's especially for you, lovely.
The Beautiful Art of Just... Hanging Out
Sometimes the magic happens when you step away from the clinic walls and just be yourselves together. No stethoscopes, no scrubs, no "where the heck did you put my pen?" conversations.
Picture this:
Pub quiz nights where you discover your receptionist knows way too much about obscure 90s music
Escape rooms that reveal who's the secret problem-solver (spoiler: it's probably not who you think!)
Dog walks and picnics because honestly, fresh air + dogs = instant mood boost
Potluck dinners where you finally taste Sarah's legendary lasagna everyone keeps talking about
These moments? They're golden. They remind us that beyond the scrubs and medical knowledge, we're all just humans with weird hobbies, terrible jokes, and surprisingly strong opinions about tea brewing techniques.
Little reminder: Keep it inclusive, beautiful humans. Not everyone's idea of fun involves belting out karaoke classics or dangling from zip lines. The best team activities are the ones where everyone feels genuinely welcome. Have a discussion as a team and offer options... and you know what? Offer an opt out too.
When You're Ready to Go a Little Deeper
Sometimes you need more than casual hangouts. Maybe your team's navigating big changes, communication could use some TLC, or you simply want to unlock that next level of working together brilliantly.
This is where we at Vet Empowered absolutely light up! We LOVE working with teams, and we've visited first opinion clinics, referral hospitals, charities, non-clinical teams and more.
Forget everything you think you know about corporate workshops. We're talking interactive, heart-centered experiences that actually matter. We've poured years of coaching, countless conversations with vet professionals, and heaps of love into creating something genuinely transformative.
What Actually Happens in Our Workshops?
We start with YOU – Because cookie-cutter approaches? Not on our watch. We dig into what makes your team tick, what challenges you're facing, and what dreams you're chasing.
Safe spaces are sacred – No forced sharing, no cringe-worthy icebreakers. Just a warm, welcoming environment where everyone can breathe, reflect, and grow at their own pace.
Interactive magic – Think guided meditations that actually feel good, journaling that sparks insights, small group chats that flow naturally, and yes, even some laughter-inducing activities (the good kind!).
Science meets soul – We blend evidence-based approaches with genuine compassion. Mindset work, emotional intelligence, self-awareness – all delivered with the kind of warmth your heart needs.
Whether your team wants to tackle that pesky imposter syndrome, build unshakeable confidence, master the art of healthy boundaries, dive into the physiology of the human nervous system, or learn to communicate with even more compassion – we've absolutely got your backs.
Katie and Claire (that's us!) have both walked this veterinary path. We've felt the weight of difficult decisions, celebrated the joy of successful treatments, and experienced everything in between. We get it, and we're here to help your team shine even brighter.
Curious to know more? Grab our Workshop Brochure or drop us a line at hello@vetempowered.com – we'd love to create something magical together!
Dreaming Even Bigger?
If you're thinking full-scale team away day or conference vibes, our friends at Introducing Events Ltd are absolute wizards. Run by Katie's partner (who's been creating unforgettable experiences for over 20 years), they can bring everything from game shows to circus games to... wait for it... duck herding! Yes, really. Trust us, your team will be talking about it for years.
But Why Does This Actually Matter?
Fair question! We know your time and energy are precious commodities in vet practice. But here's what we've learned: investing in your team's connection isn't just nice to have – it's transformational.
When people feel truly seen and valued:
Trust flourishes – and teams that trust each other work magic together
Creativity explodes – diverse perspectives get the space they deserve to shine
Communication flows – fewer misunderstandings, smoother days, happier humans
Resilience grows – supported people bounce back stronger from challenges
Joy multiplies – and happy teams? They stick around and thrive
Kind words for getting started with veterinary team building activities.
Start with a conversation – Ask your team what would genuinely light them up. You might be surprised by their ideas! (Psst... give opportunities for anonymous input too, so that the introverts get a say as well!).
Get crystal clear on your why – Are you celebrating achievements? Building confidence? Strengthening bonds? Let that purpose guide every decision.
Embrace variety – Mix casual social moments with deeper workshop experiences throughout the year. Keep things fresh and exciting!
Circle back and reflect – What worked beautifully? What would they tweak? This feedback goldmine keeps your approach evolving and effective.
The Heart of What We Do
Team building isn't about ticking boxes or fulfilling CPD requirements (though it can do that too!). It's about honouring the incredible humans behind those professional roles, creating space to reconnect with your deeper purpose, and nurturing a culture that's balanced, compassionate, and genuinely supportive.
Whether you're planning a relaxed night out or a transformative workshop experience, remember this beautiful truth: you're investing in your people. And that investment? It always, always pays forward in the most wonderful ways.
Ready to take the next step? We'd absolutely love to help your team feel more connected, valued, and completely unstoppable. Let's chat!
