General
As pet ownership skyrockets during pandemic, a national vet shortage puts pressure on clinics and pets at risk
Vets in regional and rural areas are struggling to keep up with demand, as more people take up companion animals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key points:
- Vets have a suicide rate higher than the national average
- Thirty per cent are considering abandoning clinical practice in the next 12 months
- Vets say they are struggling with stress, anxiety and poor work conditions
Pet owners in regional and rural areas are having to travel long distances to get after-hours care for their pets.
When Lisa Huxley’s dog Arden started going into a seizure late at night, she panicked.
“I got on the phone and I tried to call at least half a dozen vet clinics in the local area, left messages and didn’t get any messages returned,” she said.
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