While the COVID-19 is slowing down many Mount Isa businesses, North West Vet Clinic says it has been affected by staff shortages more than the pandemic.
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Owner and Veterinarian Katelyn Stretton said throughout the pandemic, business was going strong and clientele remained as busy as normal, if not busier.
"I definitely don't think there has been a decline in services, if anything I think people are needing vets more now then they did prior to the pandemic," Ms Stretton said.
"I put it down to people being restricted in their movements, not allowed to travel and were spending lot more time at home.
"Therefore if their dog had got sick they have noticed it straight away. Or they have been saving up to do a surgical procedure on their animal and can now afford it, which is a good thing for the owner and their pets."
Ms Stretton said while the pandemic was at the forefront of everyone's mind, she was facing a bigger challenge with her business.
"We are lacking staff members. We are doing the same workload with only three staff, compared to our usual five," she said.
"Since I purchased the clinic in March 2019, we've had an advertisement for a vet that whole time and we have got a couple of bites, but no one who wanted to continue on.
"Due to restrictions in travelling overseas due to COVID-19, I thought more vets would be keen to stay locally, but we have only had about two people show interest in the job.
"We are still trying to provide the same high level of service, so we are needing more staff to help with work that we have."
Ms Stretton said the staff shortage wasn't affecting the operations of the business, but took a strain on the mental health of herself and staff.
"I am working 7:30am to 7pm and my nurses are doing 10 to 12 hour shifts, just so we continue the best service we can and not let customers down," she said.
"For us veterinary health care professionals, already have a high mental illness rate, and with the struggle that vets are having to get other vets is really putting a strain on them and their nurses. I don't think people see that. the vet might see the pet and save the pet but the nurse is the one who has to take on the crying owner and be their shoulder.
"I think it is a big commitment to move to Mount Isa, everything is a little bit more expensive, rentals are hard to get and it's a big thing to move and not like you're job. Being a vet isn't like being a diesel fitter where you can just go somewhere else and get a job."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
