"Demand for vet services"

And how it affects us all

The veterinary industry is a unique industry. Pets are now more important than ever to our families and as such, can trigger emotional responses in all of us. At the Eureka and Ballarat Veterinary Practices, we have a team of animals lovers that want to do what we can to help people and we are not immune to the pressures placed on the industry.

Many of you have experienced the long wait times for veterinary services and it’s not getting easier. This is a frustration share by you as clients and us in the veterinary industry. As in other industries such as the teaching and nursing, we are experiencing increasing demand for our services with a shrinking workforce.

The staff shortages we are experiencing have put increasing pressure on our profession and our vet clinics are feeling it. The shortage of veterinary staff, the increasing pet numbers, increasing client expectations, staff illnesses, a shrinking workforce and other veterinary clinics reducing their availability to clients, has meant some days our capacity to see everyone is restricted and results in longer wait times and pressure on our staff.

One of the most common complaints you will hear from vets these days revolves around the emotional pressures put on them by clients. For many of us, we join the industry for the animals, we stay for the people. Building client relationships is a major part of our practices. We understand how important our pets are in our lives, we have pets too, we also understand how important they are in your lives. We are doing our best to help the pets in our community and there are limitations in our capacity to what we can do. We need clients to understand these pressures and be respectful. Frustrations and negative comments made by clients do not help the situation we are facing.

We ask that clients show some understanding to our team and in particular our reception team.

* APPOINTMENTS:

We run by appointments. Non-urgent walk-in patients will be scheduled to a day and time that is appropriate. If you have an emergency, you need to phone ahead to alert the staff so we can provide you with assistance.

* MEDICATION REQUEST:

If you need medication repeats, please give us at least 24 hours notice so we can organise the medication for your pet. There are medication shortages that we need to navigate as well. If it has been some time since we have seen your pet, you may need an appointment before we dispense any medication. This is for your pets wellbeing and a requirement under the veterinary code.

* PHONE REQUEST:

If you need to speak to vet/nurse or request a vet call back, be patient as the vets are often dealing with other patients and families. If the vet is on a day off, they will contact you at their earliest convenience.