Charleston has a reputation for being a pet-friendly city as it has a lot of establishments, green spaces, and off-leash parks where people and their four-legged friends can enjoy and spend time together. Over 60 percent of Charleston households own a pet, but while the city is welcoming to furry companions, it's currently facing a veterinarian shortage which can have a negative impact on animal welfare. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that there were 1,440 veterinarians working in South Carolina in 2023, but that number has gone down to 1,330 in 2024.
Vets are citing poor mental health and burnout as their main reasons for turning away from the profession. Many SC veterinary clinics are also understaffed, which means that the majority of these professionals are overworked and now coping with poor work life balance. A veterinarian shortage can present a host of challenges for pet owners, especially if your fur baby has health issues. If you're a Charleston resident who owns a pet, here's what you can do to deal with the ongoing veterinarian shortage, and all the ways to support the animal doctors in your community.
Keep Pets Safe at All Times
If there are few veterinarians in your area, you'll want to avoid having a pet emergency as much as you can. Some of our furry pals have a tendency to get into mischief, so you'll need to be mindful and restrict access to spaces where they can get possibly hurt or injured. For instance, if your overly curious pup loves to play in your garage, always keep the garage doors closed to prevent your dog from going inside, and keep antifreeze, pesticides, and gardening tools in a safe place that's out of reach.
You also need to have pet medication and learn how to administer simple first aid. Though it's not a substitute for veterinary care, learning how to give your pet first aid can be useful since it helps your fur baby to feel a little better while waiting for the pet ambulance or while en route to the nearest veterinary clinic. Some of the things that every pet owner should know is how to administer CPR, rescue breathing, and how to treat wounds or scrapes.
Preventive care is also important to keep pets in peak condition. For example, if your dog has dry paws and the skin around their nose is cracking, you can apply a paw and nose balm to heal, soothe, and protect these areas. During the summer months, apply the balm on their paws before going for a walk. This protects their paws from the hot pavement and creates a natural, protective layer.
Be Considerate to Veterinary Care Staff
Most Charleston veterinary clinics are understaffed, so be considerate when booking appointments. If you want to book an appointment for a routine checkup, be sure to book it in advance, preferably a few weeks before your desired date. You'll also want to give the clinic a week to fulfill any requests for your pet's prescription refills. Keep in mind that they need time to process the request and have it approved, so don't pressure the veterinary clinic staff to release it on the day when you asked for it.
Be patient when waiting for someone to get back to you on things like insurance forms or veterinary health certificates. These things may also take a while, so if you're requesting documents so your pet can travel with you, be sure to ask for them at least a month before your travel date.
Let Your Vet Know that You Appreciate Them
Many veterinarians and veterinary clinic staff feel disheartened due to workforce issues and increasing workload, so let them know that you appreciate what they do for you and your pet. Send them a handwritten card expressing your thanks, or drop off some snacks and coffee during their breaktime. If they have a Facebook page, give them a shoutout and write a glowing review about their services. Letting them know that you see them and that their work matters can help to make your vet's day so much better.
Veterinarians and animal clinic staff are essential to communities. To deal with the current veterinarian shortage, be a responsible pet parent and keep your fur baby safe from harm. Also, be considerate to clinic staff and appreciate what they do for you and your pet. This may help to encourage them to keep going, renew their passion for their job, and remind them about their love of animals.