
The sun was just beginning to rise as I carried KG into the emergency vet at 6 a.m. on a Sunday in August. A quick scan of the room showed me that the night rush had ended. Thankfully we were the first arrivals of the morning.
But the calm didn’t last long.
Within an hour, the only ER doctor on duty was scrubbing up for emergency surgery on a large dog, and the waiting room was quickly filling. Thankfully KG was stabilized on oxygen by then, and I knew his breathing issues would be prioritized.
By 8 a.m., I overheard the receptionists telling callers the ER was on bypass mode — meaning they had reached capacity and could no longer accept patients.
Why Is An Emergency Room Turning Away Pets?
I’d never heard of such a thing. As someone who’s had to rush pets to the ER six times in 2024 alone—with three different pets—I immediately pulled up a map to find my next closest option. To my dismay, I discovered that the nearest emergency vet was closed during the day on weekends due to staffing shortages, a clear sign of the emergency veterinarian shortage.
My background in veterinary hospital management and experience as a vet tech never prepared me for this scenario. But a deeper dive revealed some alarming facts that I felt compelled to share.
A Growing Crisis: The Veterinary ER Shortage
The surge in pet adoptions during the early days of COVID, combined with a shrinking veterinary workforce, has created a perfect storm, hitting emergency vet services the hardest.
Why are veterinarians leaving the field?
It’s emotionally draining work, the compensation is often not enough to offset their significant student debt, and the hours are grueling. Tragically, the veterinary profession also has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation.
What Are the Alternatives?
1. Veterinary Urgent Care Clinics: Check your area for these clinics, which can handle non-life-threatening emergencies after hours.
2. Telemedicine: Ask your regular vet if they offer telemedicine services or have recommendations for after-hours advice.
Pet Emergency Preparedness: How Pet Parents Can Plan Ahead
1. Plan Ahead: Research the three closest emergency vets and confirm their hours. This proactive step is essential for pet emergency preparedness—do this now, before an emergency arises.
2. Be Proactive: If something feels off with your pet, don’t wait. Trust your instincts and book an appointment with your vet right away—early intervention can save both money and stress.
3. Call Ahead: Even in an emergency, call the ER first to ensure they’re open and accepting patients. This can save you precious time and help the staff prepare for your arrival.
4. Prepare for Pet Emergency Hospital Wait Times: ER visits can stretch from 4 to 8 hours, so I always bring a water bottle, snacks, a book, phone charger, and my laptop. Being prepared for pet emergency hospital wait times helps make the experience less stressful.
5. Be Kind: Veterinary professionals face intense emotional stress, dealing with suffering and loss on a daily basis. Yet, they’re often met with frustration from clients. Kindness and respect go a long way.
Also, understand that your pet may be taken to the back for treatment without you present—most pets are less anxious away from their owners, allowing the staff to work more efficiently. And while the cost of veterinary care can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it isn’t subsidized like human healthcare (unless you have pet insurance).