Pam's Pet Care Corner

04/14/2023

Did you know that most seeing eye dogs can not hear electric cars?

10/30/2022

Visiting the Veterinary ER and Veterinary hospitals in general…

Having been asked multiple times “Why the wait?” Or “Why aren’t ER’s / hospitals taking patients?” More often than not, the question is asked with an under tone of aggression perhaps from frustration.
The real deal is this:
All veterinary hospitals are understaffed! Why?
Veterinary graduating classes are down by 7% from years gone by.
Technician classes are down by 15%
Neither profession can afford the student loans now up to $325,000 for a veterinarian,
Technician programs run up to $100,000.

I was recently told by a lay person that Veterinarians make a lot of money and should be able to pay that loan off quickly!

If the veterinarian does an internship during their first year post graduation they are considered lucky if they make $30,000. The year after that they might make $60,000
The average veterinarian might make $80,000 annually after those first two years if they survive.

The average certified technician salary starts at $16.00 hourly and that is because minimum wage went up!!

The reputation of the abuse veterinary staff members endure is also getting around making the field less and less desirable which correlates with the increased su***de rate, another reason for staff shortage.

People often state that veterinary care should be ‘less expensive or free.’

The fees presented to the client, more often than not bring out the worst in people with the “how dare you charge this!” Then there is the name calling and the threats. No one needs that.
Be kind and buy pet insurance!

What astounds me is that often times the amount a person pays for a kitten or puppy up to thousands of dollars yet they want free veterinary care?
How is it that they drive cars that cost
Tens of thousands or go on vacations also for thousands?

Of course, I understand that things do happen during pet ownership such as job loss, retirement, tragedies to name a few.

I have had all of the above happen to me and as a result have often considered leaving the field, in turn leaving yet another hospital short staffed. Along with encouragement from family, friends and fellow veterinary professionals I’m staying.

If you find this post helpful please share.

Feel free to ask any questions or state concerns, in the comments. I will respond!

Thank you so much.

07/02/2022

Be safe!

06/10/2022

Our weekly laundry is a huge task due to the fact that we are washing full size sheets, blankets and towels that we use as bedding to place on our cat towers, window seats etc. We recently came across an idea where small sewn mats are used instead. We are hoping to convert our shelter to these instead to make the laundry an easier task but still providing comfy and clean places for our shelter cats to lay. The mats measure finished size is approximately 27 x 16 inches and have a fleece side, polyester batting on the inside and a washable and dryable fabric on the second side ( some have a sherpa type fabric) but quilt fabric would work too . The materials need to be washable and dryable for sanitary reasons. I am hoping to find individuals who are willing to make and donate at least one of these mats to our shelter- more than one would be fantastic. I am going to be making some but this is a large task. It doesn't have to be cat themed fabric or even color coordinated. Thanks for considering this.

03/05/2022

CHS is excited to join Kid Governor Makhi’s virtual program for students, “Protecting Our Pets”! It’s set for tomorrow, Friday, March 4, at 9:15 am, and will be broadcast to students across the state. Kid Governor Makhi hopes to educate students about the signs of animal abuse and showing kindness towards companion animals. This special program will also feature Tanya Wescovich, State Animal Control Officer at the Department of Agriculture, and Ashley Marshall, CHS’ Community Outreach Manager The link will be here so others can tune in as well!

02/04/2022

https://youtu.be/T8lKPLzJOF8

5 ways to save money as a Modern pet parent in 2022....Come learn some things you didn't think you needed to know!We are here to provide open communication a...

02/02/2022

01/29/2022

This little one was trapped yesterday from a stray colony before the arrival of storm Bobby. Safely inside now away from the cold, snow and wind.

11/07/2021

Binny, Binky, Bindy- all males. Available 860 225-1339 Call the shelter. Why not adopt this terrific trio !

11/02/2021

🥰

The Veterinary Emergency Center is ECSTATIC to welcome Dr. Brion Reagor to the VEC family!! Dr. Reagor’s upbeat, positive, and empathetic manner is a wonderful addition to our team.

Here’s a small biography about this amazing veterinarian:

Fortunately, at the age of thirteen, I was given the opportunity to mature in a successful small animal practice in north Dallas, Texas. After experiencing each available staffing position for years, I became a Texas A&M graduate of veterinry medicine in 1995. I was an associate/partner in north Dallas until 2002. In 2004, I designed and built my own 3000 sq. ft. small animal hospital in Berwick, Maine. I sold my practice in 2018, finishing my commitment as Chief of Staff in 2020.

Feeling fortunate again, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners gave me the challenge of developing the charter for the entire Medical Operations division of their company, alongside my friend Dr. Matt Townsend. Today, I maintain a position as consultant to medical operations for Rarebreed, as well as, my position as Chief of Staff for Veterinary Emergency Center of Canton, Ct.

09/15/2021

09/05/2021

Great advice!