Pet Owners Face Long Waits, Veterinarians Deal With Burnout As Pandemic Impact Hits ER Vet Offices

By Amy Wadas, CBS Pittsburgh

September 21, 2021

Throughout the pandemic, staffing shortages have been a common thing, particularly in the restaurant industry. People may not realize the veterinary field is also experiencing something similar, creating long wait times for pet owners and pushing vets to the point of burnout.

Jennifer Fraser’s new puppy, Simba, was sick with a urinary tract infection when we met her inside Rainbow Veterinary Hospital in Darlington, Beaver County. She said she called multiple emergency vets in the area only to get a response she didn’t expect.

“They all said, basically, unless your pet is dying, they couldn’t see him and would have to call in the morning,” said Fraser.

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