COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone. Whether that impact be financial, emotional, or physical, it has affected everyone. Essential workers are the ones who have taken a larger hit. Amidst the pandemic, vets were categorized as essential workers. Since then, significant trends have been observed in the veterinary industry.
New And Higher Adoptions
It is an observed trend that people asking to adopt pets has notably increased. Because of COVID-19, people stay at home more often to avoid infecting others and getting infected. People are likely to feel lonely during a situation like this. Interaction with other humans would not be the smartest choice in this case, which is why people are now opting for pets.
In a veterinary clinic in Alberta, there is a waitlist worth of fifty people to adopt puppies. Such an increased need for pets has led to a decrease in veterinary services. However, this demand might be increasing after the pandemic since vets will have new patients. This is one positive sign to come out of the pandemic.
Increased Costs For Large Animals
The pandemic has led to a shutdown for production. This translates to how the farm animals are now suffering. Because the cattle are often not in control of the prices, the costs have majorly increased. The medication, the vaccines, and the feed have also become expensive for vets and clients.
Fewer Supplies, More Working Hours, And Social Distancing
There have been shifts in the veterinary industry and everyone is making adjustments. Some essential items like ventilators have been forgone by vets for more essential workers. The high number of patients in hospitals have led to a shortage of such supplies for people. Vets are simply doing their part.
However, this means that along with a reduction in critical supplies, vets are working longer hours. This has caused an emotional strain on the staff and is causing a work-life unbalance. This might accelerate burnout for them.
Additionally, social distancing rules has allowed vets to incorporate drop-offs for their patients. This means that owners will have no in-person interaction with the vets. While this may be the responsible and smart choice, it might create some communication difficulties too.
The two stakeholders will be interacting through phone calls. This not only means that the process will take more time but that it will also cost more.
The Emotional Stress Of Asking For Government Assistance
Many vets and their peers are applying for government assistance programs. However, their eligibility criteria are widely unclear. The Canada Emergency Wage subsidy is one such program where vets have been unable to qualify. This is because of the extensive paperwork and the ambiguity.
This stress and time-consuming process has really led the workers to be disappointed. Financial burden and emotional strain are one of the most common causes for burnout. It is reasonable for vets to be concerned. The veterinary industry is one of the critical industries which needs help during the pandemic. With safe and proper assistance, the workers may perform better financially and emotionally.