How to Handle Staffing Shortages in Veterinary Hospitals

Roo Team

May 13, 2025

Let’s be honest - the Vet world isn’t just about puppy cuddles and kitten kisses. If you’re running a Hospital, you know the real challenge: keeping your team strong and your doors open, even when it feels like everyone’s running on empty. Veterinary staffing shortages are the not-so-cute side of animal care, and they can make even the most seasoned Hospital manager want to hide under a desk. But don’t worry - Roo’s here to help you hop over those hurdles, with a guide packed with practical, positive, and (sometimes) punny advice.

Why are Veterinary staffing shortages happening?

You’ve probably felt it - that moment when you look at your schedule and wonder if you’ll need to clone your Techs just to get through the week. Staffing shortages in Vet Hospitals are a real thing, and they’re not just caused by a single factor. Here’s what’s fueling the shortage stampede:

Boom in pet ownership: More pets means more appointments, more surgeries, and more demand for your team’s time.
Not enough new grads: U.S. Veterinary schools just can’t crank out enough new Vets and Techs to keep up with demand. AVMA surveys show that the share of Veterinarians working in companion animal practice increased from 61 percent in 2001 to 73 percent by 2023.
Burnout and turnover: Long hours, emotional cases, and the pressure to do more with less - it’s no wonder some folks are hopping to other careers or taking a break from the field.
Underused skills: Many Techs are trained to do way more than they’re allowed to, which can leave them feeling undervalued and ready to bounce.

The result? It’s harder than ever to find (and keep) the right people for your Hospital. But don’t worry - you’re not alone, and there are ways to make it better.

How staffing shortages impact your Hospital

Let’s call it like it is: when you’re short-staffed, everything feels harder. Your team is stretched thinner than a Greyhound at a weigh-in. Here’s what happens when Vet Hospital staffing gets tight:

Longer wait times: Clients get cranky, and pets don’t get seen as quickly.
Team burnout: Overworked staff are more likely to call out, quit, or just lose their spark.
Lower quality of care: When everyone’s rushing, mistakes happen - and nobody wants that.
Lost revenue: Fewer appointments and burned-out staff can mean less money coming in.

But here’s the good news: you can turn things around. With the right strategies, you’ll not only survive staffing shortages - you’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Solutions for Vet staffing shortages (that actually work)

Ready to get your Hospital back on track? Here’s how you can tackle Vet staffing shortages, Roo-style - with a mix of creativity, compassion, and a dash of kangaroo energy.

Streamline your hiring process

Let’s face it - nobody wants to fill out a 10-page application or wait weeks for a call back. If your hiring process is slower than a tortoise on tranquilizers, you’re losing great candidates. Here’s how to speed things up:

Use clear, simple job postings (ditch the jargon and get real about what you need).
Respond to applicants quickly - even a quick “thanks for applying!” goes a long way.
Partner with a Vet recruiter or a relief staffing platform like Roo to find qualified candidates fast.

Want more tips? Check out our Hospital resources for step-by-step guides on hiring, onboarding, and more.

Offer competitive pay and real benefits

Let’s not sugarcoat it - pay matters, and so do benefits. If you want to attract and keep top talent, you need to offer more than just a paycheck. Think about:

Flexible schedules (who doesn’t love a four-day workweek?)
Paid time off that people actually use
Healthcare stipends that cover pets, too (yep, Roo does this - and our Vets and Techs love it!)
Support for continuing education (and yes, Roo has free CE events to keep your team learning and growing)

Use relief and locum staff to fill gaps

Sometimes you just need a little extra help - and that’s where relief Vets and Techs come in. Relief staffing is like having a kangaroo pouch for your Hospital: it gives you flexibility, support, and a way to bounce back when things get tough.

Relief professionals can cover vacations, sick days, or just help during busy seasons.
You can try out new team members without a long-term commitment.
Platforms like Roo make it easy to find, book, and manage relief staff - no more endless phone calls or frantic texts.

Curious about how relief staffing works? Our Hospital tutorials walk you through every step.

Make the most of your Techs’ skills

Here’s a secret: your Techs are superheroes, and they can do way more than you might think. Too many Hospitals underuse their Techs, which leads to frustration and - you guessed it - turnover.

Let Techs handle tasks they’re trained for, from anesthesia monitoring to client education.
Invest in cross-training so your team can cover for each other when needed.
Encourage Techs to grow their skills with free CE events and mentorship opportunities.

Embrace Technology (it’s not as scary as it sounds)

You don’t have to be a Tech wizard to use Technology to your advantage. Simple tools can save your team hours each week and help everyone work smarter, not harder:

Use electronic health records to cut down on paperwork
Automate appointment reminders and follow-ups
Try telemedicine for routine consults or follow-up care

Not sure where to start? Our relief tools and best practices can help you choose the right Tech for your Hospital.

Build a positive, supportive culture

This might sound fluffy, but it’s true: people stay where they feel valued. Celebrate wins, support each other, and create a workplace where everyone feels like part of the pack.

Recognize achievements (even the small ones)
Encourage open communication - no question is too silly!
Offer mentorship and growth opportunities (and don’t forget to link to upcoming events for networking and learning)

Plan for the future (not just next week)

Staffing shortages aren’t going away overnight. Think about long-term solutions, like:

Building relationships with local Vet schools
Offering internships or externships to students
Supporting your team’s mental health and work-life balance

And if you’re ready to try something new, check out our success stories for inspiration from Hospitals that have turned staffing challenges into success.

The role of Vet recruiters and staffing agencies

Sometimes you just need an extra set of paws (or hands) to help with hiring. Vet recruiters and staffing agencies can:

Find and screen candidates, so you don’t have to wade through a mountain of resumes
Offer temporary, permanent, or relief staffing options
Handle the nitty-gritty details like credentialing and scheduling

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, teaming up with a staffing partner can help you focus on what matters most - caring for pets and supporting your team.

Creative approaches to Vet Hospital staffing

Let’s get creative - because sometimes the best solutions are a little outside the litter box. Here are some ideas Hospitals are using to keep their teams strong:

Remote work: Some roles, like telemedicine or admin, can be done from home. This opens up your candidate pool and gives your team more flexibility.
Flexible shifts: Not everyone wants a traditional nine-to-five. Offering part-time or split shifts can attract folks who need a different schedule.
Outsourcing non-clinical tasks: Let someone else handle billing, HR, or marketing, so your clinical team can focus on patient care.
Investing in professional development: Encourage your team to attend free CE events and pursue new skills - it’s good for morale and retention.

Professional development: Keep your team growing

Want to keep your Vets and Techs happy? Help them grow! Professional development isn’t just a perk - it’s a must-have for today’s Veterinary professionals.

Encourage staff to attend free CE events and conferences
Support certifications and advanced training (even if it means covering a shift or two)
Offer mentorship and leadership opportunities

Looking for career growth ideas? Check out Roo’s careers page for inspiration and open roles.

Roo’s relief platform: Your secret weapon for staffing shortages

We get it - finding the right people can feel like herding cats. That’s why Roo exists! Our platform connects Hospitals with qualified relief Vets and Techs who are ready to jump in when you need them most. Here’s how Roo can help:

Easy shift booking: Post your open shifts and get matched with the right relief professionals, fast.
Transparent profiles: See experience, reviews, and credentials before you book.
Support for your whole team: Relief staff give your full-time crew time to recharge, reducing burnout and turnover.
Pet-friendly perks: Our healthcare stipend covers pets, too - a big win for animal lovers.

Want to see how Roo can help your Hospital? Visit our Hospital resources or sign up for Roo and start posting shifts today.

Staffing shortages in Veterinary Hospitals aren’t going away overnight, but with the right mix of creativity, compassion, and a little Roo magic, you can keep your Hospital hopping along - and maybe even have some fun along the way. If you’re ready to give your team a boost, check out our Hospital resources or sign up for Roo to find relief staff who are ready to jump in.

FAQs: Your questions, answered

1. What causes staffing shortages in Vet Hospitals?

Answer : More pets, not enough new grads, burnout, and underused Techs all play a part. It’s a perfect storm that makes it tough to keep your team fully staffed.

2. How can Hospitals effectively handle staffing shortages?

Answer : Streamline hiring, offer better pay and benefits, use relief staff, make the most of your Techs, and build a supportive culture. Don’t forget to embrace Technology and plan for the future.

3. What’s the benefit of using relief or locum staff?

Answer : Relief staff help you cover gaps, prevent burnout, and keep your Hospital running smoothly - without long-term commitments.

4. How can Technology help with Vet Hospital staffing?

Answer : Digital tools cut down on paperwork, automate reminders, and make it easier to manage appointments and follow-ups, freeing up your team for what matters most.

5. What’s the best way to keep your team happy and reduce turnover?

Answer : Offer professional development, flexible schedules, recognition, and a positive work environment. Happy teams stick around!