Local non-profit facing brunt of 'severe' veterinarian shortage
Many pet owners in the region have been left without care
A local animal non-profit is feeling the brunt of a severe veterinarian shortage in eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Jackie Gauthier, the founder of Speak Up For Paws, says people are becoming desperate to find care for their pets.
"They're self-medicating animals," Gauthier said. "We had a cat come in with Polysporin in its eyes, when all it needed was antibiotics."
The shortage is especially bad in more remote parts of the country, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), which represents 25,000 vets and technologists across Canada.
"It's more exacerbated in the rural areas, and we've seen that for a number of years," said Trevor Lawson, the president of the CVMA.
Lawson was on Parliament Hill Wednesday asking the federal government to address the country-wide shortage.
"It's a significant threat to the veterinary profession and its ability to provide quality care," he said.
According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System, there will be 5,000 expected veterinary job openings between 2022 and 2031, while the expected number of job seekers is 4,300.
The CVMA is asking for additional investments for programs and infrastructure, and dedicated funds to recruit internationally trained veterinarians.
Lawson also emphasized the need for investing in the mental health for vets.
"One in five veterinarians report suicidal ideation during their careers," he said. "Eighty-nine per cent of veterinarians surveyed across Canada have suffered from burnout."
Few and far between
Gauthier's organization partners with vets to provide basic care like spaying and neutering animals.
She says finding vets to help her animals has become increasingly difficult.
"We've been putting a shoutout to vets from the Gatineau side all the way to the North Gower, Kemptville area," she said.
While she recommends that pet owners from Quebec come to Ottawa for care, even in the city there's a shortage.
"People shouldn't have to reach out to someone on Facebook with a message that says 'Hi, I see that you work with animals, my cat is dying. He's 23 years old — my vet won't take me in.'"
Animal owners in western Quebec faced a blow in 2022, when an Ontario veterinarian who served 600 clients in the Pontiac and Ottawa areas died by suicide.
Some Ontario vets stepped up to fill the gap, even driving up to 100 kilometres into the Outaouais region to offer their services.
The pandemic pet boom has put a strain on the veterinary system, according to Lawson. But despite the short supply of workers, he says there's still interest in becoming a vet.
"We're certainly seeing a high level of interest despite the challenges that the profession is facing," Lawson said.
"The veterinary colleges are readily getting applicants in excess of two to one for each seat available."
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