Navigating the Autumn Rush (While Still Enjoying Pumpkin Spice!) as a Vet Mom

The crispness in the air, the subtle shift in light, and perhaps the faint scent of pumpkin spice at your favorite coffee shop can only mean one thing: autumn is here! For many of us in veterinary medicine, this beautiful season brings more than just colorful leaves; it often signals an increase in appointments, a ramp-up in personal schedules post-summer, and a general “rush” before the end-of-year holidays.

If you’re a vet mom, you know this feeling well. Just when you’ve settled into the back-to-school rhythm (or are still trying to!), the clinic picks up pace. Suddenly, you’re juggling complex cases, managing a bustling waiting room, then heading home to homework, extracurriculars, and the ever-present question: “What’s for dinner?”

It’s a lot. But navigating the autumn rush doesn’t mean sacrificing your sanity or your family’s joy. It’s about finding smart strategies to fuel your body, manage your time, and intentionally seek out those cozy, memorable fall moments.

The Autumn Accelerator: Why Fall Gets Busy in Veterinary Medicine

From routine check-ups before the holiday travel season to the inevitable increase in seasonal allergies (for both pets and people!), autumn puts our multi-tasking skills to the test. Our professional plates fill up, and our personal calendars often do too, with school events, fall festivals, and holiday planning.

So, how do we keep all the plates spinning without feeling like we’re about to drop them all?

Strategies for Managing the Rush

It’s about intentionality setting yourself up for success, both at the clinic and at home.

1. Fueling Your Family (and Yourself!) on Busy Nights

When you’re exhausted from a long shift, the thought of cooking a nutritious meal can feel overwhelming.

• Embrace the “Power Hour” Prep: Dedicate 1-2 hours on a weekend to chopping veggies, pre-cooking grains, or browning ground meat. This makes weeknight meals a breeze.
• Quick & Cozy Dinners: Think slow cooker meals, sheet pan dinners, or hearty crockpot soups that can simmer while you’re at the clinic. Frozen ravioli with jarred sauce and a bagged salad? Absolutely. Efficiency wins!
• Batch Bake Healthy Snacks: Muffins, energy bites, or roasted chickpeas can be lifesavers for grab-and-go breakfasts or after-school munchies.

2. Maintaining Your Energy in a High-Demand Season

When the pace picks up, self-care often feels like the first thing to get cut. Don’t let it!

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Keep a large water bottle at your desk and in your car. Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue.
• Micro-Breaks are Mighty: Step away from your desk for 5 minutes. Stretch, grab a cup of tea, or just look out a window. These small resets can prevent mental fatigue.
• Move Your Body: Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. A quick walk or a 20-minute yoga session is a proven way to decrease stress levels and boost your mood.
• Prioritize Sleep (as much as possible): Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine, even on your days off, to help regulate your energy levels.

3. Navigating Seasonal Sneezes (for Pups & People!)

Fall brings beautiful foliage, but also new allergens. Be prepared for your patients’ (and your kids’!) seasonal sniffles.

• For Pets: Be proactive with flea/tick prevention and discuss seasonal allergy flare-ups with clients. Having a streamlined way to manage dermatology refills (like through your PIMS’s client portal!) can make a big difference for both you and pet parents.
• For Kids: Stock up on allergy meds or cold remedies. A well-stocked medicine cabinet at home can avoid a frantic late-night pharmacy run.

4. Finding Fall Fun Amidst the Busyness

The season offers so many wonderful family activities. Don’t let the rush steal them all!

• Schedule It In: Just like a work meeting, block out time for apple picking, a trip to the pumpkin patch, or even just an evening walk to see the changing leaves.
• Embrace Simple Joys: A fall-themed movie night with cozy blankets, making s’mores in the backyard, or baking a simple pumpkin bread can be just as memorable as a big outing.
• Pumpkin Spice Moment: Yes, that coffee! Allow yourself that small indulgence – you deserve it.

A September Superpower: Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a great time to extend this mindset to both your home and your clinic. While your practice is likely prepared for emergencies, a refresher can ensure everyone is on the same page.

• In-Clinic Readiness: Review your emergency protocols, check that fire extinguishers are up-to-date, and ensure your team knows where all safety equipment is located. This is also a good time to review your software’s emergency plan. Shepherd Veterinary Solutions provides a Read-Only Mode and Emergency Kit to help clinics maintain essential operations during service interruptions - from everything to natural disasters to internet outages. The kit includes digital forms and templates for tasks like logging calls, documenting SOAP notes, and handling payments with the Shepherd Pay’s Portal, so your team can continue to care for patients even if connectivity is down.
• Home Safety Check: Quickly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and refresh your home’s emergency kit.
• Winterizing (Small Steps): A quick review of outdoor essentials or planning for colder weather can save stress later.

Looking Ahead to the Cozy Season

The autumn rush can feel intense, but with intentional strategies, you can navigate it with grace. By focusing on smart fuel, energy management, managing seasonal challenges, and carving out moments for joy, you can ensure both your patients and your family thrive.

We’ve got this, Vet Moms. And remember, having practice management software that truly simplifies your workday can be an invaluable partner in your autumn strategy, helping you manage the demands with greater ease and focus on what matters most.