To say that the past few years have been challenging is certainly an understatement. No one has been unaffected by COVID-19 or its ripple effect—including veterinary professionals. As an essential industry, the veterinary profession did not pause during lockdowns, or waver during ever-changing restrictions and mandates. No matter what was happening in the rest of the world, your dedicated veterinary team was always working to care for pets. 

As things gradually shift back to normal, you have likely noticed extended wait times and delayed appointment scheduling at Hearthstone Veterinary. While we certainly understand your frustration, knowing why things are taking a longer than usual may help. Here are five reasons why veterinary hospitals are busier than ever.

#1: Many pets did not receive annual wellness care while sheltering in place

During the lockdowns, many pet owners delayed their pet’s annual visits. At the same time, many veterinary practices postponed preventive services to make time for urgent or sick pets. As pets now return to the veterinary hospital for overdue routine care, such as examinations, vaccinations, and annual screening tests, we are seeing many more preventive care appointments. As we catch these pets up on wellness care, the time available for other non-emergent visits is reduced.

#2: Pets with lapsed care are now presenting with complex illness

Unfortunately, many pets who missed their annual visits during the past few years are now presenting with illness and disease, such as dental disease, heartworms, and kidney or liver failure. Sadly, if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, these conditions in pets likely would have been detected sooner, when signs were mild and less extensive treatment was needed.

These ill pets who are returning for care now require extended appointment times, lengthy treatment consultations, hospitalization, or surgery. As veterinary teams work to provide these pets with their necessary care, resources—including time and manpower—are being strained.

#3: Working from home has made pet owners more attentive

One benefit of the work-from-home culture has been pet owners becoming more aware of their pet’s behavior, habits, and wellbeing. Perceptive owners are now noticing subtle changes in their pet, such as stiffness when rising, increased thirst, or restlessness, they would not have seen previously. This is advantageous for pet health and can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, but increases the demand for veterinary appointments.

#4: Veterinary teams and pet owners have been forced to adapt to new protocols

Like other essential businesses, the veterinary profession was forced to fit their services into an ever-changing landscape. Teams were forced to adapt quickly to curbside care, virtual visits, social distancing, contactless payment, and extensive disinfection protocols. While some new routines worked well, others proved confusing, inefficient, or impractical, because pets also were often experiencing increased anxiety, fear, and stress. Extra patience is essential to ensure we can continue to care for your pets while keeping everyone—both two and four-legged—safe.

#5: Veterinary professionals are people, too

Although veterinary businesses stayed open, their teams were not immune to the pandemic’s realities. Veterinary healthcare team members have been equally impacted by personal and family illness, childcare challenges, financial hardship, pandemic-related stress, and emotional and physical burnout. 

Prior to the pandemic, mental health was already a veterinary industry concern and carried a disproportionately high suicide rate. This stress, compounded by personal and professional pandemic-related stress, has caused many caring professionals to leave the veterinary field—creating nationwide staffing shortages.

How you can help your pet’s veterinary care team

As case numbers decrease, we are hopeful that things will soon return to normal, although we also are realistic—we know things could change at any time. We will continue to take proper precautions based on national and local guidelines, and we ask our clients to do the same. During this transitional period, you can help the Hearthstone Veterinary team and ensure you and your pet have a stress-free experience in the following ways:

  • Schedule early — If your pet is coming due for their annual wellness services, call or contact us well in advance. This will help ensure your pet doesn’t have to wait too long for their care.
  • Keep inventory of your pet’s prescriptions — Anticipate potential supply shortages and request your pet’s prescription refills at least one or two weeks in advance to ensure they don’t run out.
  • Expect to wait — Allow extra time before and after your scheduled appointment, in case we have an unexpected emergency that delays our schedule.
  • Follow protocols — We do our best to inform you about any protocol changes before you arrive. Please follow our instructions so we can keep our staff and clients safe.
  • Be available — If your pet is staying the day for surgery, dentistry, or hospitalized care, please keep your phone nearby, so we can contact you as needed. 
  • Stay positive — Everyone at Hearthstone Veterinary is committed to providing uncompromising care to your pet. Maintaining a positive attitude and showing appreciation for our team members will not only help us, but will help your pet feel better, too!

If your pet is sick or injured, please do not delay their care—contact Hearthstone Veterinary for an appointment. We allocate specific time blocks every day for urgent cases to ensure that pets in need receive timely care. Our trained staff can triage your pet’s condition over the phone, and advise you of the soonest available appointment.