Figures provided by The Veterinary Council show that Dublin is home to the largest number of veterinary professionals in Ireland – the count being 700 (456 vets and 244 nurses), Cork is next with 509 (356 vets and 153 vet nurses), and then Tipperary with 284 (233 vets and 51 nurses).
The number of professionals working in the country has now reached an all-time high. There are 3,281 vets and 1,189 veterinary nurses on the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s register, and it appears that over 70% of newly registered vets this year qualified overseas.
The council affirms that the increased number of vets and veterinary nurses will benefit animal health and welfare in the country. This is as the sector faces increased demand for services and on-going recruitment challenges in these rapidly growing and developing professions. Niamh Muldoon, CEO and Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ireland comments: “This influx of talent will help to meet the demand for veterinary services across Ireland, and also indicates the strength, growth and demand of the sector.”
Research published earlier this year indicated that almost half of professionals experience “abnormal levels of stress”, and also work more than 50 hours per week.
Three quarters of them said that they battle to balance work and life. Two-thirds found the long working hours to be a major stressor and two-fifths said out of hours care is a major stress inducer.
Other frustrations included clients with high expectations, verbal abuse and underperforming colleagues.