This year marks the 13th anniversary of PAWS Veterinary Center. We are continually grateful for your trust and support. 2020 and 2021 have been full of changes and challenges for all. PAWS and the veterinary profession have not been spared. Demand for veterinary care is at an all-time high. Many have been home spending more time with their pets, noticing previously unnoticed health issues; more families have welcomed new pets into their lives, and fewer pets were rehomed than ever before. As a profession, our workflow has been crippled by the reduced efficiency of curbside care, elective surgery bans, and COVID-19 precautions & medical leave. In addition, support staff shortages and turnover are an industry-wide problem and result from high work demand, low pay, and emotional burnout. As demand for veterinary services has soared, there are not enough veterinarians and veterinary technician graduates to fill needed positions nationwide. Our amazing team has worked tirelessly to provide essential care for pets under these abnormally stressful conditions.

As a pet parents and as your care providers, we know how difficult these constraints are. We take pride in exceptional client service and patient care and have previously been able to accommodate nearly all same-day and short notice appointments. As you may have experienced, we are currently scheduled out for 3-4 weeks. Sadly, there are days we simply cannot accommodate all sick patient appointment requests. Your hold time may be longer due to an increase in call volume. Medication refills and phone inquiries may have a longer turn-around time than before. Please note, veterinary emergency clinics have been especially impacted, reducing hours and staffing, and others closing altogether. Regional emergency facility wait times are averaging 6-8 hours, and typically, care is only available to the most critical patients.

What are we doing?

We are here for you. We are reserving a limited number of same-day urgent care appointments and continually updating our cancelation list. We are limiting new patients. We are doing our best to attract, train and retain talented team members.

We have implemented appointment and surgical deposits to deter no-shows and last-minute cancellations. We are kindly requesting pre-visit online Exam Questionnaires to be completed in advance to improve appointment efficiency. We are following all CDC recommendations to keep our clients and team safe.

What can you do?

Please be patient. Be kind to our team. A “thank you” goes a long way. Wear a mask. Arrive on time. Give as much notice as possible if you cannot make an appointment. Please complete your pet’s online Exam Questionnaire. Please plan ahead for prescription refills and scheduling requests. Please stay current on preventive services to reduce illness and emergency medical situations.

We know your pets have been an endless source of love and companionship. For us, their wags, licks, purrs, and nuzzles comfort and inspire. Your gratitude, encouragement, and baked goods have helped us get through these months. Let’s all continue to do our best to care for one another.

With appreciation,

Geren Thurston and Randy Aronson, Justin Keaner, Elizabeth Jobe, and Carine Klimentidis