North Wales RSPCA vet clinic experiencing vet shortages

Clwyd and Colwyn Animal Welfare Clinic, based in Rhyl, provides veterinary/financial assistance to help animals most in need within the area.

During the pandemic, as the only RSPCA veterinary clinic open in North Wales, they saw animals from all over, including Wrexham and Flintshire. 

The clinic has seen a huge increase in demand since January taking in over 100 new clients every month.

As a charity organisation the clinic works to keep prices as low as possible, however consequently, with the increasing cost of energy and pet medication they been operating in a deficit since January. 

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 Kieren Barlow, Branch Manager for RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn  said: “This clinic will probably run, if it doesn’t start bringing in a profit, for the next 18 months.

“What’ll happen after that I don’t know.”

Kieren Barlow, Branch Manager for RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn

The clinic is open for those on low income and in receipt of at least one of the following means tested benefits, Income Support or Working Tax Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit.

Whilst the cost of living is a major concern he also said: “There is a shortage of vets which has a knock-on effect everywhere.”

Mr Barlow is concerned how the shortage they are experiencing will affect those in need in the community.

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He said: “We are having to close for two days in August as I can’t find a vet to work those days.”

He continued: “As a charity there's only so much we can do – if I am taking on a vet that is charging £400 a day, some days we don’t even make 400 a day.

"So we have lost but at least the animals are getting seen.”

Data from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, indicates that there has actually been an increase in the amount of registered vets in Wales, and in Wrexham and Flintshire, in the past five years. 

However with the huge increase in households with pets since 2020, it may not be meeting the current demands. 

According to PDSA, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals veterinary charity, two million owners (equating to 9% of all owners) acquired their pets over a 14 month period from March 2020 to May 2021.

President of British Veterinary Association Wales Branch, Collin Willson said: “The veterinary profession has been under immense pressure over the last few years.

Mr Wilson continued: “It acted rapidly to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions and an unprecedented increase in pet ownership, and is now facing the ongoing fallout of Brexit.

“All three have had a significant impact on staff numbers and capacity within the profession.

“Covid restrictions created challenging staff shortages at a time when more people were welcoming new pets into their families.

“Brexit exacerbated existing recruitment and retention issues within the sector, increasing demands on the workforce, such as more paperwork required to certify livestock, animal products and pets before trade or travel, while the number of vets coming to the UK from the EU dropped significantly.

Seriously ill cat taken in by RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn

“The impact of which is felt even more in rural and remote communities.

“We are also becoming increasingly concerned about the emerging impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on pet owners and their ability to care for their animals.

“Vets tell us they are already seeing animal welfare being compromised, with some owners putting off seeking help due to financial difficulties or worryingly seeking to treat animals themselves after searching online.

“These are challenging times for all of us, vets and pet owners alike.

“Vets understand some pet owners may have financial concerns and will always be able to talk through treatment options and support owners in making the best possible decision for their pet, factoring in all considerations. 

“There are also veterinary charities which can provide support in certain circumstances."

“It is important to remember vets and vet teams are also facing the fallout from the cost-of-living crisis – and not just financially.

“Unfortunately, many vet teams are having negative experiences, with some reporting being trolled online, being verbally abused or even physically assaulted.

"We understand going to the vet can be a stressful and upsetting time but we ask that owners remember their vet will always do their best to help and they also deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.”

Clwyd and Colwyn RSPCA veterinary clinic is currently seeking volunteers for the reception, which would involve dealing with clients, answering the phone and holding the animals when in with the vet. 

Staff member at RSCPA Clwyd and Colwyn

In addition, they are looking for volunteers in their charity shop, sorting clothes, dealing with customers and taking payments. 

Mr Barlow said: "Ideally we'd like volunteers to offer a minimum of one full day a week."

Those interested in volunteering can contact kieren.barlow@rspca-clwydandcolwyn.org.uk