Here are frequently asked questions for pet owners:
Why do I have to wait so long to get an appointment with my veterinarian?
Veterinary medicine across Canada is facing an extraordinary challenge with increased demand and reduced access to care. This is due to a variety of factors, including:
A drastic rise in pet ownership, especially since the pandemic started.
Staff shortages due to illness and difficulties hiring veterinarians and veterinary technicians, which can reduce a clinic’s capacity to provide a full range of services.
Like human health-care workers, veterinarians have been deemed essential since the beginning of the pandemic and the profession is now experiencing high rates of burnout, stress, compassion fatigue and other mental health concerns.
What can I do if I need care but don't have a veterinarian?
If you don’t have a veterinarian, you can visit the College of Veterinarians of Ontario’s website and use the find a veterinarian search tool.
What should I expect if I visit my veterinarian?
If you’re planning a visit to your veterinarian, be aware that your clinic may be operating differently than usual. Veterinary clinics are implementing various ways of delivering health care for pets while keeping clients and veterinary staff safe. This could include restricting the number of people at appointments, offering curbside service or implementing masking protocols. For the smoothest service, follow your veterinary clinic’s guidelines. To find out what protocols your veterinary clinic has in place, visit its website, social media pages or contact your veterinarian directly.
What if my pet needs urgent care?
Due to an increase in demand for veterinary services, emergency clinics and referral centres are experiencing longer than normal wait times. If you have a concern about your pet’s health, don’t wait to access care – contact your regular veterinarian to find out if there are proactive measures that can be done before a crisis/urgent situation arises.
