If you’re having difficulty finding a veterinarian, you’re not alone. Across the nation, accessing pet care is becoming increasingly challenging as more and more veterinary professionals are leaving the field.
As a veterinarian myself, I understand the importance of reliable and accessible pet care. Unfortunately, it’s no secret that the pet care industry has been facing numerous challenges, particularly during the pandemic.
One example of this is Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, which has lost roughly half of its veterinarians since the pandemic began. This means that pet owners have to wait several weeks for appointments, surgery is scarce, and there is no 24/7 emergency care.
This situation has left many pet owners in a difficult position, with few options for proper care. In an industry plagued by burnout, turnover, and high suicide rates, veterinarians and vet techs are being forced to make a difficult choice between taking care of animals and taking care of themselves.
However, one local animal shelter in Juneau is stepping up to try and fill the gap for pet owners in need. They understand the desperation felt by pet owners, who often have nowhere else to turn, and they are doing their best to provide the necessary care for animals.
If you’re interested in learning more about this important issue, I encourage you to tune into this recent podcast from Outside/In and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing access to veterinary care in our country today.
Listen to the complete Outside/In podcast episode here – The last veterinarians in town — Outside/In (outsideinradio.org)
We think it’s really important to shine a light on this issue, and we hope that you learn more about the amazing work being done by veterinarians and vet technicians, especially in these challenging times.