After 18 years of providing emergency pet care, Yakima Pet Emergency Service has made the difficult decision to close its doors, leaving local pet owners in Yakima with limited options for emergency care outside regular business hours.
The closure comes as the clinic grappled with significant staffing challenges, including a shortage of veterinarians. In response to the shortage, the clinic had to reduce its operating hours from overnight on weekdays and 24/7 on weekends to just four days a week, with hours limited to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays through Mondays.
The shortage of veterinarians is part of a larger national issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, coupled with increased demand for veterinary services, has put immense pressure on veterinarians, leading to burnout and a workforce shortage.
Yakima Pet Emergency Service officially closed its doors on December 1, citing staffing challenges as the primary reason. Pet owners in need of emergency assistance are now directed to Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Services in Pasco, the closest 24/7 animal hospital. The next closest options include Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, Pet Emergency Clinic and Referral Center in Spokane, and Washington State University Teaching Hospital in Pullman.
Efforts are underway at the federal level to address the long-term shortage of veterinarians. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, reintroduced last year, aims to provide up to $75,000 in student loan repayment for veterinarians who commit to working in rural areas for three years. The bill is currently in committee as part of broader initiatives to tackle the challenges faced by the veterinary workforce nationwide.
