02/02/2022
As you may have noticed recently, it is increasingly difficult to find an appointment to see your vet.
Veterinary services generally, including our own at our Southern Animal Health Cheltenham location, are stretched more than ever and there have been times we have had to consider the very real possibility of temporarily closing our doors. All nurses and vets have been doing it rough for the last few years but unlike the human profession, are rarely considered. The AVA cites: We know that there are around 125,000 doctors to look after almost 26 million Australians, compared to only 13,500 vets to look after the 30.4 million pets - let alone all the other animals that vets look after.
We're weary but we understand what it is like to worry for your pet and have no treatment options. It is for this reason that our staff continue to do their best on a daily basis working longer shifts into condensed hours so that we can continue to be available when you need us.
All we ask is for patience and understanding while we do our utmost to remain open and schedule you with the next available appointment time at our Cheltenham clinic. We may at times have to suddenly cancel your appointment or close due to a Covid case in our workforce and hope that you understand that this is always our last resort but is also unavoidable.
When we are extremely short staffed, we periodically reduce our hours to 8am to 5pm so please understand the need for us to do this from time to time.
Please read our latest news item to learn what you can do to help us. Unfortunately, our Dingley clinic remains closed at this present time, until further notice.
Regretfully, our Dingley practice remains closed until further notice however our same team remains available and are looking forward to assisting you at our Cheltenham practice. Our Practice Manager explains more below with regards to the change in our availability. Veterinary Workforce Shortage: T...
