Challenges of Veterinary workforce

Did you know that pet ownership is higher in Atlantic Canada than in the prairies and BC? So far, in the covid-19 pandemic, about 900000 adult Canadians became first time pet owners (https://abacusdata.ca/pets-pandemic-canada/). Of current pet owners, about 18% report obtaining a new pet during the pandemic (https://narrativeresearch.ca/canada-has-seen-a-significant-increase-in-pet-owners-since-the-start-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/).

In the last few years, we are experiencing a shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, world wide. Here is Dr. Berdina Bakker, the vice president of the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association (NBVMA), discussing the workforce shortage.

Almost all pet owners believe their pet brings joy and improved quality to their lives. This is a finding that we hold dear. As your veterinarian, it is an ongoing  challenge, as we try to find ways to care for you and your pet, while caring for ourselves, in order to give you the best of us.

Here is Dr. David Jamael, the president of the NBVMA, discussing the challenges of the workforce shortage.

How do we mitigate these challenges and stressors? There is the lack of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the workforce, but also coping resources that are available to practises and individuals varies (www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/merck-animal-healths-third-veterinarian-wellbeing-study-reveals-increased-health-challenges-and-psychological-distress-among-veterinarians, let alone giving ourselves permission to make time to take care of each other.  We are by the nature of our profession, givers of care. With the pressures now, directing this attention to in a broader sense, seems crucial, so that we can continue to be able to provide the best sides of ourselves to our patients and clients and to welcome more people to our workforce.