Phoenix Veterinary Clinic is feeling the effects of the nation’s shortage of veterinarians | Animal corner

By Randall Perry On Jun 16, 2021

PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – There is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians and Valley veterinary clinics are feeling the impact.

The problem is compounded as more people become first-time pet owners during the pandemic. The executive director of the Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Phoenix told the Arizona family that it was almost impossible to hire doctors. Now five vets have dropped out and the staff say they are overwhelmed. The shortage of veterinarians has resulted in long waits and concerns among new pet owners.

Veterinary clinics have a hard time staying full.

(Source: 3TV / CBS 5)

Alex Kroot says her four-legged friend “Pumpkin Pie” became her companion during the pandemic. Her job was to maintain the boxer mix and knew she couldn’t let her go. “I just couldn’t give up on her, she’s too cute,” said Kroot. “She was a lifesaver during the pandemic.”

But now Kroot is struggling to find her dog care as some veterinary practices turn away new clients and others tell her to wait two weeks. “Within those two weeks, Pumpkin was chewing on a bottle of Tylenol,” said Kroot. “We had to take her to an emergency veterinary clinic and it took three hours.”

The long wait for new pet owners like Kroot can be felt at Alta Vista Animal Hospital, a facility that has a shortage of veterinarians. Some of them left after the first wave of lockdowns. Manager Dion Douglas says it’s difficult to hire enough people to keep the staff. “It’s extremely difficult,” said Douglas. “We offer competitive packages, but unfortunately we don’t get as many bites as we’d like.”

In addition to under-staffed facilities, more people than ever are adopting animals, some of which require medical care. Dr. Alta Vista’s Tracie Feldman said she has never been this busy and worried about pet owners waiting to be looked after. “It’s very hard because they come up to us and say, ‘This dog is really sick and we need to see him,’ while I am dealing with ten other patients. And it’s hard because I don’t want to say no, but there is only so much I can do, “said Dr. Feldman.

Back to Kroot and her pumpkin pie. After 14 days of waiting, they finally got their appointment. Now she has a message for other pet owners who may need one soon. “Plan ahead, call and keep your fingers crossed,” said Kroot.