Veterinarians are being strained by pandemic pets.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Many furry pals have been "paw-sitive" during the pandemic. Adoptions of pets have increased dramatically. There is, however, another side to this story. The increase in new pet parents implies that local vets will have a lot more clientele. Kayla Martin describes how the furry friend craze may affect how you care for your pet.

The Humane Society of Chittenden County's interim shelter director, Erin Alamed, said, It's been very fantastic to see all these amazing animals we get into the shelter going into really good homes.We were adopting out slightly over 1,000 animals on average before the pandemic, I would think. We adopted out almost 1,300 animals just last year, in 2021.

The increase in new pet parents implies that local vets will have a lot more clientele.

That has obviously impacted the veterinary community and put a lot of burden on their operations, which Alamed deplores.

Some veterinarians claim to be booking appointments weeks or even months ahead of time, but the owner of the Shelburne Veterinary Hospital says it all depends on a few criteria.

Liam Bisson stated they have a customer list and how many doctors and techs in the building. It's difficult when some of your employees are quarantined. We simply lack the necessary personnel.

a manpower shortfall Bisson says his company had some difficulties early on in the pandemic, but that things are again returning to normal.

We're making progress. Bisson stated, We've got another vet, so I don't think there's much we can't manage at this time.

If you can't get an appointment, the Humane Society also has a community pet clinic that is open to the public for a reasonable cost.

Get their immunizations and flea and tick treatments current. We can't be everyone's regular veterinarian, but it's been good to relieve some of the load on our local veterinarians, Alamed added.

Meanwhile, Bisson has some winter advice for new pet owners.

With the chilly weather, a common question I get is, Should I acquire clothes for my animal like a sweater or a jacket? The reality is, I'm more concerned about their small feet in the snow than their bodies, he remarked.

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