The Problem Isn’t a Vet Shortage

What happened to Iluka on Thursday morning wasn't about a veterinarian being overworked, understaffed, or overwhelmed by caseload.

This was about clinical decisions—when we brought him in, when we asked for help, when intervention could have saved his life—that fell below basic standards of care.

THE FACTS:

  • We brought him in showing emergency symptoms

  • Basic diagnostic testing was available

  • Time was available to order bloodwork and imaging

  • The decision was made NOT to perform diagnostics

  • Our concerns were dismissed

  • We were sent home

These aren't competing goals.


They're complementary.

BUT THEY'LL SAY IT IS

We know the veterinarian shortage argument will come up.

And it's true—there IS a shortage. It's a real workforce issue that needs addressing.

But here's what we're asking:

If shortage isn't an excuse for medical negligence in human healthcare, why should it be for animals?

Should we accept 39 hours of preventable animal suffering as "collateral damage" while we work on long-term supply issues?

WE SAY NO.

  • Support veterinary education expansion

  • Support loan forgiveness programs

  • Support workplace improvements

AND

  • Establish accountability for gross negligence

  • Remove dangerous practitioners

  • Protect animals from preventable suffering

This wasn't a shortage problem.

This was a standards problem.