Fears mount for pet owners and animal clinics over 'staffing crisis' at vets

ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi reports on the shortages of veterinary surgeons and the impact this is having on businesses and pet owners

One of the largest chains of animal clinics has warned of a shortage of vets which has created a "staffing crisis" and affected pet owners across the country.

Far fewer overseas vets are now working in the UK - and the problem is made worse by a a steep rise in more and more people getting new pets during the pandemic.

It has led to longer waits for appointments and test results are more often being delayed.

Bella is just one of many animals who looks like she has encountered problems, and her vet is going through a tough time too with what leading vets are now calling a staffing crisis.

It takes five years to train as a vet so there seems to be no quick solution. The shortage of vets and animal nurses is happening because far fewer qualified practitioners are coming from the EU.

Bella's dog owner, Paige Ballmi, says it's "pointless" when vets only offer video appointments and she was worried her dog went blind

In 2019 around 95 vets a month were coming to the UK from the EU but that's now dropped to 31.

Meanwhile, the UK dog population has grown by three million to 12.5 million and there are more cats too - up almost five million to 12.2 million.

What has brought the whole situation to the forefront is a rapid rise in cat and dog ownership during the Covid pandemic.

Vets have told ITV News they now fear a treatment timebomb as routine appointments and vaccinations are backlogged.Worried pet owners are being urged to contact vets, some practices now offer telephone or video conferencing consultations to maximise the use of limited staff time.

The profession is appealing for anyone who can’t attend a booked appointment to cancel as soon as possible so slots can be offered to others.