She trained to deliver babies. She ended up delivering goats, treating zebras, and running one of the busiest mixed animal clinics around, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

In this candid episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, veterinarian Dr Christine Staten shares the unconventional path from aspiring obstetrician to mixed veterinary practice owner, and what it actually takes to build a veterinary business from scratch.

She’s honest about the parts most people don’t talk about: the weight of practice ownership, imposter syndrome, and how she protects work-life balance in a profession known for burnout.

Key topics:

• The leap from obstetrics dreams to large animal medicine.
• What no one tells you about owning a veterinary practice.
• Treating the unusual patients, from goats to zebras.
• Imposter syndrome and protecting your wellbeing in vet med.
• Building and leading a team that lasts.

Whether you’re dreaming of owning a practice, leading a team, or you just love the animals behind the medicine, Dr Staten offers a refreshingly hopeful take on where the veterinary profession is heading, and the flexibility, community, and passion that make it worth it.

Connect with Dr Christine Staten:

Instagram: @dr.christinestaten
LinkedIn: /dr-christine-staten-030bb168/

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Most veterinarians graduate knowing how to save lives. Almost none of them graduate knowing how to manage money, price their services without guilt, or build a business they can actually exit one day. In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, financial advisors Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett, from Florida Veterinary Advisors, get honest about the financial realities of veterinary medicine, the guilt, the misconceptions, the vet burnout that isn’t really burnout, and the practice ownership mistakes that are quietly eroding what should be one of the most rewarding careers there is.

This isn’t a conversation about investment products or spreadsheets. It’s about the mindset and habits that either build financial freedom or silently prevent it, and why so many intelligent, dedicated professionals end up on the wrong side of that line.

If you’re a new graduate, a practice owner, or somewhere in between, and money feels like the thing nobody in your profession talks about honestly, this one’s for you.

Connect with Florida Veterinary Advisors:

Website: www.flveterinaryadvisors.com
Tom Seeko LinkedIn: /tomseeko
CJ Burnett LinkedIn: /cj-burnett-0805a02b

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Step into the unpredictable world of emergency veterinary medicine with Brooke Schampers, a vet who has taken social media by storm by sharing the raw, unfiltered realities of her high-stakes career.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Brooke pulls back the curtain on what really happens after hours: from pattern recognition and life-saving split-second decisions to the emotional and physical toll of night shifts.

Discover why mentorship matters, how to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue, and the practical tips every young vet (and pet owner) should know.

We also talk about dealing with client expectations and finances, navigating the pressures of veterinary social media, and building a fulfilling identity outside the clinic.

Whether you’re a vet, a student, an animal lover, or simply curious about a life lived on the edge of chaos and compassion, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable wisdom, and inspiration for anyone passionate about the world of animals and the humans who care for them.

Don’t miss Brooke’s honest reflections on resilience, recognising red flags, and why preserving joy is the ultimate key to surviving and thriving in veterinary medicine.

Connect with Dr Brooke Schampers:

Instagram: @doctor_brooke
Website: drbrookeschampers.com

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

What really happens behind the scenes in the world of emergency vet care?

In this episode on the Paws and Effect Podcast, emergency veterinarian and educator Dr Brianna Tobin joins Dr Carra to share the highs and lows of working on the front lines of animal medicine and what you don't see in the vet ER.

Their conversation centres on the adrenaline-fuelled shifts, the camaraderie and critical importance of teamwork, and how trust and communication can make or break a high-performing ER team.

Brianna opens up about the emotional challenges, from heartbreaking patient cases to delivering difficult news to pet owners, as well as the unique pressures emergency vets face, the power of resilience, and practical strategies for managing stress and supporting both colleagues and clients.

This episode gives you honest insights on the costs of emergency treatment, why teamwork matters more than ever, what makes a strong leader in the ER, and why insurance can be a lifesaver.

Whether you’re a veterinary professional considering an emergency speciality, pet owner, or just curious about animal emergency care, this episode offers a candid look at the realities, rewards, and challenges of a career in veterinary emergency medicine.

Connect with Dr Brianna Tobin:

Instagram: @emergencypetvet

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, Dr Carra discovers the much-celebrated memoir, Unleashed by Dr Caitlin Venniker.

The two chat about the realities behind the veterinary profession, balancing heartache, hope, and share plenty of laughs! Caity shares the story behind writing her book, her journey through vet school, the emotional highs and lows of clinical work, and the challenges of motherhood and identity while living abroad.

Discover what truly happens behind the scenes in a vet’s world: the cases that haunt you, the clients who challenge you, and the sheer vulnerability of practicing medicine on creatures who can’t speak for themselves.

From candid insights into the mental health crisis facing vets, to hilarious and touching stories from practice, to the process of bringing a deeply personal book into the world, this episode is an unmissable window into the profession everyone thinks they know, but few truly understand.

Whether you’re an animal lover, future vet, or just curious about the extraordinary lives of those who care for our pets, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and see the world of veterinary medicine in a whole new light.

Connect with Dr Caity:

caitygunthorpvenniker.substack
Instagram: @caityvenniker

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast, holistic veterinarian Dr. Emily Roth and Dr Carra discuss the world of integrative veterinary medicine, sharing how treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, Chinese herbs, and nutrition can revolutionise pet health, mobility, and comfort.

Discover how Dr. Roth blends Eastern and Western therapies for large and small animals, busts myths about “natural” treatments, and explains why “holistic” doesn’t mean anti-medicine or anti-vaccine.

Learn the science behind acupuncture, the real role of spinal adjustments, and why nail trims and weight management are game-changers for your pets.

Dr. Roth shares her honest advice on quality of life, end-of-life care, and how pet owners can create happier, healthier lives for their animals.

Connect with Dr. Emily Roth:

Website: www.healingtrailsholisticvet.com/
Instagram: @dremily_honestvettalk

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

When the words “pet surgery” come up, pet owners often picture scary risks, high costs, and worst-case scenarios. But what REALLY happens when your pet needs an operation? In this episode of the Paws and Effect Podcast, Dr Emma Brown of Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital joins Dr Carra to dispel fears and unpack every step, from the initial consultation to recovery after surgery.

You’ll get insider insights on:

• ⁠ ⁠How vets assess risks and tailor anaesthetic plans
• ⁠ ⁠Why pre-surgery testing (like blood work and heart scans) matters
• ⁠ ⁠What to expect in the admission and operating process
• ⁠ ⁠How the surgical team works together behind the scenes
• ⁠ ⁠Essential aftercare tips for a safe, smooth recovery at home
• ⁠ ⁠The emotional and financial challenges of emergency cases (including tough decisions and honest conversations)
• ⁠ ⁠What quality of life really means when your pet faces repeat surgeries or chronic issues

Whether your pet needs an elective surgery or you’re facing a midnight emergency, this episode is designed to replace anxiety with understanding. Plus, you’ll hear real-life examples and practical advice to make you feel more confident and prepared.

Connect with Dr Emma Brown:

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Managing pets with diabetes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Paws in Effect podcast, Dr Carra chats to Professor Patty Lathan, a leading veterinary endocrinologist, to unravel the complexities of diabetes in dogs and cats.

Together, they bust myths, explain what true diabetic success looks like (spoiler: it’s NOT textbook perfection), and share practical, compassionate advice for both vets and pet parents.

Learn why striving for perfect glucose numbers isn’t realistic (and might even harm your bond with your pet), what early warning signs to watch for, and why quality of life always comes first.

Discover the differences in how diabetes is managed in dogs versus cats, the truth about diabetic complications, and the latest advances in insulin and oral medications.

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Imagine hearing your vet say the word “MRI” for your pet. Anxiety, questions, and worry rush in. But what if advanced imaging didn’t just mean stress and expense, but gave hope and answers that could save lives?

In this episode of the Paws and Effect Podcast, Dr Carra is joined by leading specialist Dr Martin de Scally from Hilton Veterinary Hospital to chat about game changing advancements through veterinary MRI.

They discuss what MRI, CT, and X-rays really show us, when each is used, and how the launch of a dedicated animal MRI facility in KZN is transforming the way veterinarians diagnose and treat complex conditions.

From brain tumours once considered a “death sentence” to delicate spinal surgeries and the true cost, both financial and emotional, of advanced veterinary care, Dr Martin de Scally brings experience, clarity, and compassion.

Whether you’re a pet owner facing a scary diagnosis or a veterinary professional keen to understand the breakthroughs in imaging, this conversation delivers answers in simple, relatable terms.

Connect with Dr Martin de Scally:

Website: hiltonvethospital.co.za

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Are you confused by conflicting advice online about your pet’s health? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Paws and Effect Podcast, Dr Carra sits down with Dr Sylvalyn Hammond (aka The Honest Vet) to tackle the whirlwind of pet health misinformation flooding the internet.

Get an honest vet’s perspective on raw food diets, vaccine myths and trendy “miracle cures,” Dr Hammond shares real stories from her experiences in practice, revealing just how easy it is for well-meaning pet owners to fall for advice that sounds convincing but isn’t always safe.

Discover why trust between vets and pet owners is at an all-time low, how to tell the difference between genuinely reliable advice and content that’s just trying to sell you something, and the crucial steps you can take for preventative care that actually make a difference.

Learn why early intervention matters, what warning signs you should never ignore, and how objective evidence, not anecdotes, should guide your decisions.

If you care about your pet’s wellbeing and want straight, honest answers from a veterinarian who’s passionate about helping pet parents, this episode is a must-watch.

Connect with Dr Sylvalyn Hammond:

LinkTree: /thehonestvet
Instagram: @thehonestvet

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: @dr_carra
LinkedIn: /drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.