Evidence-based training that addresses the root causes of compassion fatigue in animal research environments.
Specialist programme designed for animal research professionals, recently piloted with University College Dublin.
The Hidden Cost of Caring
Animal research professionals are driven by deep compassion, but the emotional and ethical demands of their work can lead to significant personal and organisational consequences.
Personal Impact:
- Emotional exhaustion and burnout
- Decreased job satisfaction
- Mental health challenges
- Moral injury from ethical conflicts
Organisational Impact:
- High staff turnover
- Reduced productivity
- Compromised research quality
- Reputational concerns
These aren’t just HR problems, they’re research quality problems. When your team suffers, everything suffers.
A Different Approach to Compassion Fatigue
This isn’t another generic wellbeing course. This is specialist training designed specifically for the unique ethical and emotional challenges of animal research environments.
Recently piloted with University College Dublin.
Recognise the Signs
Identify early warning signs of compassion fatigue in yourself and colleagues before burnout becomes crisis.
Understand the Root Causes
Learn the contributing factors at both individual and organisational levels, not just surface symptoms.
Apply Evidence-Based Strategies
Implement research-backed coping strategies that actually work in high-pressure research environments.
Build Supportive Culture
Create lasting organisational change that supports wellbeing for your entire team.
Every participant develops a personalised resilience toolkit for sustained wellbeing, not just temporary fixes.
What’s Included
Self-Paced Learning
12 Online Lessons
Flexible, self-paced modules covering:
- Understanding compassion fatigue concepts
- Recognising signs and symptoms
- Contributing factors (individual and organisational)
- Impact on individuals and institutions
- Evidence-based coping strategies
- Creating supportive workplace cultures
- Personal implementation planning
Live Online Sessions
2 Interactive Sessions
Build community and share experiences with peers facing similar challenges:
Session 1: Our Shared Experiences with Compassion Fatigue
- Collaborative reflection space
- Peer learning and validation
Session 2: Building Our Compassion Fatigue Resilience Toolkits
- Share implementation strategies
- Mutual support and accountability
Delivered via Zoom with interactive activities.
Practical Tools
Implementation Toolkit
Take away tangible resources:
- Self-assessment tools
- Implementation planning templates
- Evidence-based strategy guides
- Resource library
- Certificate of completion
Why This Course Is Different
Specialised for Animal Research
Purpose-built for the unique ethical and emotional challenges of working with research animals. Not generic wellbeing training.
Evidence-Based
Grounded in research from leading institutions and validated coping strategies. Not feel-good platitudes.
Organisational Focus
Addresses root causes at organisational level, empowering teams to build supportive cultures. Not just individual coping.
Proven Success
Successfully piloted with University College Dublin and recommended to Trinity College Dublin. Not an untested programme.
Designed for Everyone Working with Research Animals
This course supports the wellbeing of your entire animal research team, regardless of role or seniority.
Researchers
Scientists and research staff managing animal protocols.
Veterinarians
Veterinary professionals providing animal care.
Technicians & Facility Staff
Hands-on animal care technicians and support staff.
Managers & HR
Facility managers, directors, and L&D professionals.
Whether you work directly with animals or manage those who do, this course provides the tools for recognising and addressing compassion fatigue.
What to Expect
By investing in this course, you’re protecting both your people and your research integrity.
For Your People
- Improved staff morale and engagement
- Reduced emotional exhaustion and burnout
- Stronger sense of community and peer support
- Practical skills for sustained wellbeing
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover
For Your Organisation
- Enhanced research quality and outcomes
- Better animal welfare standards
- Stronger, more adaptable workplace culture
- Improved retention and reduced recruitment costs
- Demonstrated commitment to staff wellbeing
The Business Case
High turnover in animal research facilities is expensive. Replacing a single veterinarian or experienced technician costs thousands in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. This course often pays for itself by preventing just one resignation.
What Participants Say
I've realised we don't have to accept things how they are and can challenge and try and change certain things. - Technical Officer, University College Dublin
Knowing that a lot of people go through the same struggles and are still able to carry on with their work, I felt less pressure. I feel less tired and have a better and more optimistic approach to work. - PhD Researcher, University College Dublin
This course is very enlightening and heavy but in the right way. Huge understanding and lots of refreshing new insights. - PhD Student, University College Dublin
Following the success of our pilot programme, University College Dublin has recommended this course to Trinity College Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the course take to complete?
The course is self-paced, with 12 online lessons that you can complete at your own speed. Most participants complete the self-paced content within 4-6 weeks. The two live online sessions are scheduled at convenient times and last approximately 90 minutes each.
What time commitment is required?
Self-paced lessons: 3-5 hours total (flexible timing). Live sessions: 2 x 90-minute sessions (scheduled in advance). Total time investment: approximately 6-8 hours over 4-6 weeks.
Is this course accredited?
Participants receive a Certificate of Completion recognising their professional development. This course is designed by workplace wellbeing specialists and grounded in evidence-based research from leading institutions.
Can we bring this training to our entire team?
Absolutely. We offer organisational packages for teams. The self-paced content covers the core learning, and the live online sessions naturally adapt to your team’s experiences through guided discussion and reflection activities. Get in touch to discuss group pricing.
What's the difference between this and generic wellbeing training?
Generic wellbeing courses don’t address the unique ethical and emotional challenges of animal research work. This course is purpose-built for your environment, addressing moral injury, ethical conflicts, and the specific stressors your team faces daily.
Is this course only for people experiencing compassion fatigue?
No. This course is valuable for prevention as well as intervention. Learning to recognise early warning signs and building resilience strategies before burnout occurs is far more effective than waiting until crisis hits.
How are the live sessions delivered?
The two interactive sessions are delivered via Zoom with collaborative activities using an online interface. These sessions create community, allow peer learning, and provide space for reflection and shared experiences with others in similar roles.
What if I can't attend the live sessions?
The live sessions can’t be recorded due to the sensitive and personal nature of what’s discussed. If you can only attend one, you’ll still benefit from the full self-paced content and the session you do attend. We schedule sessions well in advance to give you the best chance of making both.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. We offer organisational packages for teams. Get in touch to discuss pricing for multiple participants from your facility.
What happens after the course ends?
You’ll have ongoing access to all course materials, your personalised toolkit, and the resource library. You’ll also be invited to join our alumni community for continued support and networking.
Ready to Support Your Team?
Every day without support is a day your team carries the weight alone. Let’s talk about how Caring for the Carers can help your organisation.
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