From Burnout to Better Pajamas: Dr. Cindy Trice on Reinventing Relief Work and Patient Care

Rooted Tails by Rooted Owl

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Dr. Cindy Trice—relief veterinarian, cancer survivor, and multi-passionate entrepreneur behind Relief Rover, KickIt Pajamas, and HomeLove. Together, they explore how burnout, purpose, and personal hardship can lead to groundbreaking innovations in veterinary care, fashion, and beyond.

Dr. Trice shares how relief veterinary work gave her back control of her time, her passion, and her mental health. From hopping clinics across the country to launching platforms that connect vets with practices and pet parents with better care access, her journey is both deeply personal and refreshingly practical.

But her impact extends beyond animals. After a devastating cancer diagnosis shortly after vet school, Cindy turned her hospital experience into a mission—reimagining what healing looks like through stylish, functional pajamas for patients. Her company, KickIt Pajamas, aims to restore dignity and comfort during treatment, one pocketed PJ at a time.

Whether you’re a pet parent, a caregiver, or a clinician, Cindy’s story reminds us that resilience, compassion, and creativity can change lives—and industries.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

Relief Work as a Lifestyle & Lifeline:

Cindy explains the freedom and impact of working as a relief vet—and why it’s becoming a sustainable option in a burnout-prone industry.

Supporting Clinics, Clients, and Pets:

From quick case handoffs to emotional sensitivity, Cindy reveals the art of forging trust fast in new veterinary environments.

Sampling the Profession Coast-to-Coast:

With stints in Florida, Montana, Washington, and California, Cindy shares how relief work supported a travel-based lifestyle for her and her husband.

From Solo Vet to Multi-Founder:

Learn how Cindy’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to build Relief Rover, now part of the Hound ecosystem, empowering thousands of relief vets nationwide.

HomeLove and the Future of In-Home Pet Care:

Discover the new model Cindy is championing—licensed techs visiting pet homes for diagnostics, treatments, and basic care, boosting access and compliance.

Pajamas with a Purpose:

Hear the powerful backstory behind KickIt Pajamas—how Cindy’s own cancer journey inspired functional fashion designed to serve real patient needs with style and dignity.

Turning Pain into Advocacy:

Cindy opens up about joining the cervical cancer advocacy group Cervivor and their mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 through education and HPV vaccination.

Integrating Supplements, CBD, and Holistic Care:

The discussion turns personal as Jeffrey shares how Rooted Owl’s supplements helped his aging dog—and Cindy reflects on CBD's impact on her epileptic pup.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Relief work gives vets the power to prevent burnout and control their schedule

✅ Personal health challenges can spark powerful innovations

✅ Emotional comfort is just as important as medical treatment

✅ There’s a growing need for in-home, accessible pet care

✅ Dignity, whether for pets or patients, matters deeply in healing

Listen Now:

If you care about comfort, caregiving, or compassion—from the clinic to the couch—this episode will open your eyes to how small changes can make a big impact. Dr. Cindy Trice brings honesty, humility, and innovation to every corner of the conversation.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Cindy Trice:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cindy-trice-9464566
• Website: https://kickitpajamas.com/

Share this episode and help spread the word about empowering care at work, at home, and in hospitals.