Across California and the United States, animal shelters are facing a significant crisis: a shortage of veterinarians. Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento is no exception, grappling with the impacts of this ongoing issue. This shortage is straining resources and affecting the level of care shelters can provide to animals in need. The increased demand for pet adoptions during the pandemic, coupled with a wave of veterinarian retirements outpacing new professionals entering the field, are key factors exacerbating this crisis.
A recent statewide study conducted by the San Francisco SPCA and the University of California, Davis, highlights the severity of the situation. Alarmingly, 68% of shelters reported being “unable to provide complete care to treat conditions commonly seen in shelters,” while 40% struggle to consistently offer spay and neuter services. For Front Street Animal Shelter, this translates to significant operational challenges as they strive to maintain their commitment to animal welfare amidst limited resources.
Despite these hurdles, Front Street Animal Shelter remains dedicated to serving as many animals as possible. However, the veterinarian shortage is undeniably impacting both the scope and timeliness of the care they can deliver. Dr. Victoria Smalley, the shelter’s sole full-time veterinarian, explains, “We’re currently caring for over 700 animals. Many arrive sick or injured, or become ill in the crowded shelter environment. Our small medical team faces a significant challenge in keeping up with the necessary observation, treatment, and surgical procedures for such a large animal population.” Beyond treating illness and injuries, state law mandates that Front Street spay or neuter every animal before it is eligible for adoption, adding further strain to their already stretched resources.
Recruiting and retaining veterinary staff is a paramount concern for Front Street. The shelter is actively seeking to hire more veterinarians and veterinary technicians, who are essential in diagnostics, treatments, surgical preparation, and administrative tasks. However, the competitive job market presents a considerable obstacle. Phillip Zimmerman, manager at Front Street, notes, “Many veterinary professionals have left the field, and salaries in private practice have risen dramatically.” This makes it difficult for shelters, often operating on tighter budgets, to compete with private practices in attracting qualified staff.
To mitigate the impact of the staffing shortage, Front Street Animal Shelter has implemented several proactive strategies. One approach involves sending animals to offsite veterinary clinics to alleviate the burden on their in-house medical team. They are also employing part-time contract veterinarians to supplement their full-time staff. Furthermore, Front Street heavily relies on its robust foster program. Zimmerman emphasizes the critical role of community support, stating, “If it weren’t for community members fostering these animals while they wait for surgery, animals would remain in the shelter for extended periods, and our capacity would become completely unmanageable.”
Looking ahead, two state bills offer potential avenues for relief for animal shelters like Front Street. Assembly Bill 1399 proposes to authorize veterinarians to provide virtual care, potentially enhancing efficiency and accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. Senate Bill 669 aims to permit registered veterinary technicians to perform certain vaccinations and treatments under veterinary supervision, which could redistribute workload and improve overall efficiency within shelters.
In the interim, Front Street Animal Shelter remains committed to maximizing its resources and providing the best possible care with its existing staff. Zimmerman concludes, “While the situation is challenging, we deeply appreciate our dedicated full-time veterinarian, as well as the invaluable support from our donors and foster families, who are making a real difference during these demanding times.” Their collective efforts are crucial in ensuring Front Street Animal Shelter can continue to serve as a vital resource for animals in Sacramento despite the prevailing veterinarian shortage.
