Industry shortages and closed international borders are putting the veterinary industry under great strain. A survey of practices and animal hospitals done by the New Zealand Veterinary Association found a 120-strong hole in the number of vets currently needed, most of them in permanent fulltime positions.
Clinics are crying out for locums too, to relieve the pressure on overworked vets. In September immigration exemptions were granted for 30 large and mixed animal vets, but there's still shortages for those working with companion animals.
One of those affected is Keith Houston, owner and director of Waikato After Hours Veterinary Hospital who's been trying for two years to find a night shift worker with the necessary expertise in emergency medicine. He found someone - but she's in the UK and Immigration New Zealand has turned her down. Joining Keith is Kevin Bryant, CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
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