LAS CRUCES, N.M. — When veterinarian Siena Buser was 4 years old, she already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.
She studied at New Mexico State University and moved to Washington State University where she earned her veterinarian degree.
“I really enjoy not only the medicine side of stuff but I really enjoy the client contact and being a support in the community for people,” Buser said.
But Buser entered the industry at a time New Mexico is facing a shortage of veterinarians.
“I think there’s a nationwide vet shortage,” Buser said. “I wouldn’t say it’s just a New Mexico thing, and it’s getting really bad in the rural areas specifically.”
The shortage has made it harder for pet owners to find after-hours care. Many clinics close in the evenings and even on weekends, leaving pets to wait until morning or, if you live in Las Cruces, drive 40 minutes to El Paso for an emergency.
That’s where Animal Companions of Las Cruces comes in. The community-based nonprofit has made it its mission to attract more veterinarians to southern New Mexico.
“Our hope is to bring so many vets to southern New Mexico, especially Las Cruces, that the clinics here are able to open in the evenings and on weekends and provide emergency care services to us,” said Linda Mendell, chair of Animal Companions.
Animal Companions works with 20 clinics across the region, connecting them with veterinarians and externs from across the country. The group helps with relocation costs, offers emotional support and provides new arrivals with a $10,000 start-up.
“I have never seen a group be more aggressive and proactive to really take a problem and say: we as community members want to have more veterinarians here,” said Carol Calista, a Las Cruces veterinarian.
In July alone, Animal Companions helped bring five new veterinarians to Las Cruces, including Buser.
“They took a lot of that fatigue off us financially and supported us emotionally,” Buser said.
For Buser, the organization’s support has allowed her to focus on what matters most: helping animals and their owners.
To watch this story, visit: https://youtu.be/0qSPJtBWfkA
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