Many emergency clinics rely on “relief” veterinarians to take shifts when no one else can.

While veterinarians are critical for the safety of pets and farm animals, they also perform a variety of other jobs that affect animal welfare and human health.

“If we don’t have enough veterinarians inspecting our food and making sure that our food is safe, that puts the entire American population at risk,” said John de Jong, former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Large animals at risk

The issue of vet shortages isn’t new, but it appears to be worsening, according to farmers and industry professionals.

Reed, of Washington County, said the number of large-animal veterinarians in his area has dropped in recent years. He relies on a veterinarian in neighboring Jefferson County.

He added that some clinics will treat large animals but won’t send vets out to farms. That leaves farmers in a difficult position, Reed said, because an injured cow or horse can’t be taken to a clinic as easily as a dog or a cat.

In emergency situations, these coverage gaps can cost animals their lives.