Workplace factors associated with intention to change jobs among employed small animal veterinarians in Germany

Small-animal practice faces recruitment and retention challenges. This cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2023 examined workplace-related factors associated with the intention to change jobs among employed small-animal veterinarians in Germany. Data from 386 participants were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Five latent constructs were identified: work atmosphere, occupational strain, work-privacy balance, onboarding, and team climate. The model explained 61% of the variance in intention to change jobs. Occupational strain showed the strongest positive association with intention to change jobs, whereas a favourable work atmosphere was associated with lower intention to change jobs. Work-privacy balance also appeared relevant, although the direct effect estimated in the multivariable model should be interpreted cautiously because its direction differed from the bivariate association. Onboarding was positively associated with work atmosphere, and team climate correlated positively with work atmosphere and negatively with occupational strain. Overall, the findings suggest that reducing occupational strain and strengthening the work atmosphere are central starting points for lowering the intention to change jobs in small-animal practice. The findings point to professional leadership, reliable communication structures, predictable scheduling, fair overtime regulation, structured onboarding, and team culture as relevant areas for retention-oriented workplace development.