In “Paws, Pets, and Prices,” we dive deep into the challenges of the rising cost of veterinary medicine and the critical shortage of veterinarians. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire action within our pet-loving community by exploring the complex issues, stories, and solutions related to these pressing concerns.
Episode 1
With the rise in pet ownership continuing at its current rate in the United States there will be a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians by 2030 according to Mars Veterinary Health.
Not only is there a shortage of new veterinarians entering the field due to the high costs and long hours of medical school, but there are also veterinarians leaving the field at an alarming rate.
Compassion fatigue is defined as the physical and emotional impact of helping others, this is paired with the fact that in a survey of 11,000 vets across the United States 31% have experienced a depressive episode during their careers.
Despite these challenges and changes, veterinary staff pushes through to provide the best care possible for owners and their pets.
“It’s the love for animals, it’s the smiles and the tears of happiness you get from the clients when their pets get to be with them longer than expected” says veterinary technician Ashley Veliz.
Episode 2
All pet owners want is what is best for their pets. With the 11% price increase from July 2022 to July 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this simple goal is getting increasingly harder for pet owners to achieve on their own.
Options such as pet insurance are becoming more prevalent and widely available for pet owners and can save owners from having to make difficult decisions regarding the care of their pets due to financial restraints.
Events such as Wellness on Wheels and Camillus House are held to help owners that are struggling financially with basic annual wellness services.
“As long as I am still finding joy in being able to help people and help their pets, I don’t see a reason why I would stop doing it” says Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Michael Feldt.
Practicing veterinarians are doing what they can to provide the best care possible for their patients with the financial limitations presented by their owners.
