CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Millions of American households welcomed pets since the onset of the COVID pandemic in March of 2020.
The American Pet Products Association estimates more than 11 million households got pets over the last 14 months, which means it's a busy time for veterinary clinics.
Dr. David Gonsky of West Loop Veterinary Care in Chicago said his practice was full before the pandemic; and he has since had to hire more staff to handle the rush of wellness appointments for pandemic pets.
"We were relatively full and had a good flow of patients coming in and caring for them. With the influx of new puppies, kittens, and adult adoptees, they required a setup or initial visit," Dr. Gonsky said.
He added that it could take awhile for clinics to absorb the surge in pets, because veterinarians still have to complete school.
"Veterinarians themselves are difficult to find and hire, because it's a four year degree, if not longer, because they try to specialize. There's going to be a lag time before more veterinarians come out of school to help fill the need," Dr. Gonsky said.
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