Behind the Scenes of Your Local Veterinary Hospital

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 30, 2022

You can help veterinary clinics as they operate under the growing demands of the industry.

While life is returning to a version of post-pandemic normality for most Oregonians, veterinarians are still feeling its effects with a national staffing shortage, increased shift callouts, and professional burnout.

For DoveLewis, those challenges are compounded across a 24-hour staff and Oregon’s large pet population, resulting in extended wait times to see a doctor.

“We’re treating the sickest of the sick—animals that won’t survive without us,” said DoveLewis President & CEO Ron Morgan. “It’s nothing short of amazing what I’ve seen our team do, but every day is a challenge.” Despite the industry obstacles, the nonprofit hospital is working tirelessly to launch services to care for as many animals as possible, including urgent care, an exotics-focused veterinarian, and a team of board-certified neurologists.

Pet owners can also help their local veterinarians by preventing emergencies and unexpected trips to the vet. Preventable summer conditions include heat stroke, burnt paws, and ingesting dangerous food like corn cobs, popsicle sticks, and barbeque skewers.

What else can you do to help local veterinarians?

Leave wildlife where you found them: Summertime means seeing more young wildlife while you are out and about. Unless it’s visibly sick or injured, leave wildlife where you find them.

Schedule preventative veterinary appointments early: Avoid last-minute requests for prescriptions and vaccinations by staying on top of your pet’s routine care needs.

Plan for an emergency: Make emergencies less daunting by considering what you would need to manage long waits, busy lobbies, childcare, transportation, and more.

Be kind: Veterinary teams are working under stressful conditions as they help hundreds of families through difficult situations. Please be kind during your visit.

About DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Oregon, is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. With 49 years of service to the community, the hospital treats more than 30,000 animals each year. In addition to being an accredited teaching facility, DoveLewis also has seven donor-supported community programs that serve animals in need and the animal-loving community. DoveLewis is an AAHA accredited and VECCS Level 1 Certified hospital. For more information, please visit: www.dovelewis.comDoveLewis

24-Hour Emergency Animal Hospital

1945 N.W. Pettygrove St.

Portland, OR 97209

Emergency phone: 503-228-7281

www.dovelewis.com

DoveLewis does not give medical diagnosis or advice over the phone. If in doubt, please visit the hospital.