The Veterinary Association is reassuring animal owners that vet clinics are continuing to treat unwell animals, despite the serious vet shortage.
File image. Photo: 123RF
The pandemic border restrictions and the Omicron outbreak has hit the workforce hard, and the closure of two popular clinics in Wellington is compounding the problem in the Capital.
The labour shortage has been described by vet recruitment agency Vetstaff as at crisis point.
Veterinary Association chief executive Kevin Bryant said while some clinics were postponing routine appointments, they were also triaging so that those needing urgent care were seen first.
Owners of animals that needed urgent attention should definitely still contact their vet, or go to after-hours, he said.
The shortage of clinicians was putting strain on many clinics, but more vets were hoped to arrive in the country soon, Bryant said.
"These are trying times, but we know New Zealand's veterinarians are doing their very best and always have the welfare and best interests of animals at heart.".