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DEAR PAW’S CORNER:
I’ve been waiting more than three months to get my dog “Maisie” in for a regular checkup and shots. The veterinarian’s office says they are running behind and had to delay her appointment. Talking to a friend across the country this week, I learned that they are waiting months to get their pets to the vet as well. Is this a national trend?
— Cheryl K.
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DEAR CHERYL:
Unfortunately, it is, especially in major metropolitan areas. The wait for a vet appointment was already lengthening before 2020. After months of waiting, pet owners are all trying to get caught up on checkups and vaccinations. Many more people adopted pets during the lockdown in 2020 to keep them company. And many pandemic restrictions, such as building occupancy limits, are still in place.
Add to this a chronic shortage of veterinarians — an industry that sees some 2,000 vets leaving every year, citing a poor work-life balance. That’s twice the rate of physicians quitting their profession, says the American Veterinary Medical Association.
And the lower availability of vet appointments can be seasonal. For large animal vet practices (which deal with livestock, horses, cattle, etc.), spring is their busiest season with calving and foaling taking place. The warm weather reminds pet owners to take their companion pets to the vet as well.
Until the wave of catch-up appointments subsides, just be patient. Keep the appointment that is already set with the veterinarian and schedule Maisie’s checkup for next year, if possible.
Send your tips, comments and questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
