Mahoning Valley - Local veterinarian clinics are dealing with an overwhelming demand for pet care.

Doctors said this has been an ongoing issue, but the pandemic brought more challenges.

"I believe the pandemic has contributed because people have been home more, and we have noticed at our animal shelter that adoptions are way up," said Angels for Animals in Canfield Co-Founder, Diane Less. 

Dr. Tom Reeping at Crago Vet Clinic in Youngstown said, "More people are at home spending time with they're noticing things that they never did before, so they're more in tune with them right now. "

Angels for Animals and Crago Vet Clinic said they're to trying to accept new clients, but they're booked out for at least weeks. Angels for animals said some procedures, such as spay neutering for dogs, are booked until October.

"We're working very hard, bringing in some relief veterinarians and trying to get that schedule moved up but it has been a challenge," Less said. 

Angels for animals is getting about 600 calls a day and like many local clinics, they're trying to keep up the best they can.

"We try to serve everyone, but it's a scramble," Less said, "It's been a real challenge."

Another major issue is the ongoing veterinarian shortage, which both clinics are dealing with and said they need more doctors.

"We do not have any more vets graduating from school now than 30 years ago," Less said, "But now the demand is bigger."

Reeping said, "We're always looking for doctors and technicians right now. The burnout rate is pretty heavy right now for a lot of the technicians."

Both vet clinics said if anyone has an emergency, they will do whatever they can to get pets in, but ask for patience.