Challenging working conditions intensify as the pet population rises.
The Singapore Veterinary Association recently pointed out that less than 5% of veterinary nursing graduates remain in the industry after 5 years. At this time, Singapore has 474 licensed veterinarians, with “a significant portion” not working full-time.
The professional association asked pet parents to be patient as 1 veterinarian must attend to almost 1,700 pets on the island.
Long working hours, short breaks, compassion fatigue, low remunerations, stress, and increased expectation of pet parents are overwhelming the already short-staffed industry and forcing veterinary professionals to leave their jobs.
According to Euromonitor International, Singapore had a population of 205,800 pets in 2022. This is 7% more than in 2018.
Better recognition?
In April 2022, the Singapore Veterinary Association released a survey conducted with 400 members of the veterinary sector working in 100 clinics.
The survey results depicted the challenges professionals face, such as escalating demands for veterinary services, pet parent expectations, work-life balance, and depleting physical and mental well-being.
About 1 in 3 respondents noted that veterinarians should be “better recognized” for their work. At the same time more than half believe vet paraprofessionals ought to be treated fairly and with more respect.
Another one-third thought that veterinary work could be better defined, and over half expressed that additional support (mentorship, guidance, and training) for newly qualified professionals is necessary.
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