How Urgent Care And Balance Are The Missing Pieces In Veterinary Medicine

During the pandemic a problem that takes an incredible amount of complexity to solve formed in veterinary medicine. Families adopted or welcomed pets into their home while veterinary professionals left the field in droves. 

In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about 12.6 million US households acquired a pet during the pandemic. While people were home and could comfortably watch over a pet, it became the thing to do. However, the strain that was caused on veterinary professionals due to burnout, long hours, emotional grief due to the nature of the job, and overall stress forced many passionate people out of the field. This further strained the system and eroded the infrastructure of the profession. 

There is no “one size fits all” approach to this multifaceted challenge. We have found two ways that have been successful in our niche by 1) by providing true urgent care for pets and 2) providing balance for our veterinary professionals. Balance allows our veterinary colleagues at all levels in the profession to approach their position from a place of compassion and kindness.  

The urgent care model that we started at Veterinary Urgent Care Center in 2017 in Massachusetts mirrored that of human urgent care. 

We aimed to provide high-quality care at an affordable price for owners who could not book with or find a general practice veterinarian or did not want to wait in long lines at the 24/7 emergency medical centers for minor to moderate wounds. 

We have experienced incredible growth since our opening in 2017. From one hospital with five employees to soon to be six locations with more than 100 hard-working people who have decided to stay in the field. 

The need was there.

"Balance Allows Our Veterinary Colleagues At All Levels In The Profession To Approach Their Position From A Place Of Compassion And Kindness"

But, to me, the biggest reason for our growth is how we treat our people. In 2018, the American Veterinary Medical Association published numbers that suicide rate amonge veterinarians in the United States is 2-3 times higher than the general population. It’s an alarming statistic, and when you bring your pet in to see someone in our field, it’s most likely that they have experienced loss in that clinic from someone struggling with mental and emotional stress. 

Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, technician assistants and receptionists all deserve a place where their feelings are felt, heard, and respected, and space is given when needed. Urgent care, where we can take the burden off of the system and owners, while also providing our incredible staff a place to feel supported and given a chance to have a life outside of work is a start to piecing together the field after a tumultuous few years.