In an industry where days are long, emotions run high, and compassion fatigue is real, creating a culture of appreciation strengthens teams and reminds everyone why they chose this work in the first place.

We asked hospital managers across North and South Carolina how they build gratitude into their daily culture. Here's what they shared.

Make your core values come alive through recognition. 🌟

"We encourage gratitude through 'Basic Shout Outs'—recognizing teammates who live our core values like 'do the right thing always,' 'be a problem solver,' 'find a way,' 'wow the client,' and 'care for the whole pet.' Each month, we celebrate the people who embody our values and show up for our clients, our patients, and each other every single day."

—Heather Suhr, CVOM, Hospital Manager, Park West Veterinary Associates in Mount Pleasant, SC

Create a system for peer-to-peer recognition. 🐾

"We keep boxes in each department where teammates can write quick shout outs for anyone who went above and beyond. We call these notes 'High Paws'—like a High Five, but cooler. We read each one aloud at our monthly staff meeting to appreciate how we help each other, even in the smallest ways on the toughest days. 😊"

—Sandy Rodighiero, Hospital Manager, Oldtown Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC

Celebrate wins and new skills. 🎉

"Our hospital encourages gratitude by recognizing each team member’s wins. We celebrate birthdays with personalized desserts and host events like Easter egg hunts, axe throwing, or Vet Tech Olympics. We also celebrate new skills—like learning to place a catheter—with kudos and meeting shoutouts."

—Sarah Ignelzi, Hospital Manager, Carver Street Animal Hospital in Durham, NC

Build gratitude into your daily routine. 🤝

"We give daily praise and call outs during morning rounds. My MDVM and I ask every day 'How can we help?' and 'What can we do?' and 'What do you need?' We have open, candid discussions at every team meeting. Gratitude starts with showing up for each other consistently."

—Tina Bennett, Hospital Manager, Appalachian New River Veterinary Associates in Boone, NC