Vet shortage concern with more pets leading to increased burden
British Broadcasting CorporationWelsh vets say a lack of vets could have serious negative consequences for animal health.
Figures provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Medicine (RCVS) show that the number of veterinarians in Wales has increased over the past 10 years, from more than 1,000 in 2014 to 1,488 in 2024.
But according to the British Veterinary Medical Association, these figures do not take into account the significant increase in pet ownership, particularly during and after the pandemic.
They also said the increased paperwork and checks vets have to complete as a result of Brexit means they have less time to treat animals.
To put the added burden into perspective, More than three million UK households welcome new pets During a pandemic, it’s often because of social isolation.
This brings the total to more than 17 million.
“I graduated ten years ago,” said veterinarian Elizabeth Harris.
“Like most people, I thought I would go out and do all the fun things, but unfortunately, the paperwork was a lot and growing.
“We have to record all doctor visits, medication usage, batch numbers. We also have to help farmers develop farm health plans, which takes up a lot of our time.”
During her surgery, she described how she could easily spend two or three hours out of an eight-hour day doing paperwork.
“Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, our clinical work must come first,” she added.
“It definitely helps that our job is no longer a 9-to-5 job.
“A lot of our paperwork is done in the evening when the work is officially done.”
Ms Harris was a regular visitor to many attractions, including Blaenffynnon Farm in Horeb, near Llandissur, Ceredigion.
Such visits allow her to check on the condition of the cattle, and the relationships she develops with their owners are vital to keeping the herd healthy.
She believed animals would suffer if visits were reduced, adding: “We are in a situation where if we are not able to provide a 24/7 service it has a real negative impact on the health and welfare of animals.
“In the long term, if it continues as it is now, then I don’t think it’s sustainable.
I think the impact on the health and welfare of the animals is absolutely huge. “
She believes it is crucial to find enough staff to provide 24/7 service to the agricultural sector.
Ffion Rees, who farms in Blaenffynnon, agreed, saying: “We don’t want to see animals suffering.
“When we called the vet, we really needed them.
“We need vets all day and night. So, yeah, it’s really important.”
Some veterans have told BBC Wales that their workload has increased, and according to the BVA this is happening across Wales and the UK, particularly in rural areas.
The Welsh Government said it was clear there was a need for a review of veterinary capacity and competence and that it was aware of the challenges.
It added that a veterinary school in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, is growing and “plays an important role in encouraging our future vets to study and practice veterinary medicine in Wales”.
The UK government said it was working with key stakeholders to address shortages in the sector.
This includes resetting the UK’s relationship with Europe and pursuing a new veterinary agreement, while also delivering high-quality veterinary education within the UK.
