TOLEDO, Ohio — Soon pet owners may have to find a new place to take their fur babies as the clock ticks for the Toledo Humane Society's Family Pet Clinic.
The only veterinarian left at the clinic will be leaving July 11.
The non-profit's CEO and president, Stephen Heaven, said he will need to find a new veterinarian by then or temporarily close the clinic on East Broadway Street.
"We've been working hard to try and find a replacement," Heaven said. "At the moment no luck, and we still have a few days, hopefully we can get somebody else before that happens."
One of the clinic's clients, Jane Qhuth, said she is very sad it has come to this as she has been coming to them since it first opened.
"This place is awesome, I just love it," Qhuth said. "It's so easy in, easy out. The people are great. I just really wish they could find a way to stay open."
Heaven said the struggle to find someone isn't just a local problem.
"There's an actual shortage nationwide," Heaven said. "Humane societies around the country are really struggling to find veterinarians."
Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine's, Dr. Liesa Stone, said there are 22 counties in the state of Ohio that are identified by the United States Department of Agriculture as being underserved by veterinarians.
"We have a rural veterinary initiative to try to help and combat this shortage in rural areas," Stone said. "We're putting a lot of focus on that to make sure we increase the ability to get more veterinarians out into the rural areas."
In the meantime, Heaven urged clients to call as soon as possible before July 11 if they need refills on medications or any other service.
Until the clinic finds a veterinarian, Heaven also advised clients to be prepared to find care for their pets somewhere else.