Veterinarian shortage impacting care at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Southern Colorado pet parents may be feeling the wraths of low care due to a nationwide vet shortage. 

Officials say it’s been going on for the past 5 to 6 years, but the impact is being felt much greater right now. 

The Humane Society says limited staffing is causing significantly reduced numbers of animals that they can serve in the Pikes Peak community.

The CEO says they’re about 75% away from their ideal staff number and and hiring veterinarians has become increasingly difficult.

He believes factors like higher debt to income ratio than other health care professions and burnout from short-staffed clinics could be to blame.

"The pandemic exacerbated the problem. So, there was already a shortage of veterinarians and then you had this huge increase in people's desire to get their pets cared for, which is great. But, at the same time, you had limitations on the way we could practice, which really curtailed things,” Duane Adams, President/CEO of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, said.

Adams says there is hope as more vet schools increase enrollment, but that will take time.

While the clinic is looking to hire more veterinarians and technicians, they say pet owners can help out by taking advantage of telehealth services and establishing a relationship with your vet.

Noting, not to wait until something traumatic happens and you need one right away.

Pet parents are also encouraged to get their animals annual exams and vaccinations.

This helps cut out high demands on emergency situations in backed up offices.