Staying Ahead of Veterinary Crowds During Snowbird Season

Every year, locals can tell when the population in Bullhead City starts to swell. RVs fill the parks, the roads get busier, and veterinary clinics begin booking up faster than usual. Snowbird season is part of life here, and while it’s a welcome boost to the local economy, it also puts added pressure on services, including the limited number of veterinary offices in our area.

For year-round residents with pets, this means one thing: planning ahead is essential. The snowbird months don’t last forever, but during their peak, trying to get a last-minute vet appointment can feel nearly impossible. With a little foresight, though, you can keep your pets cared for and avoid unnecessary stress.

Why Clinics Get Packed
Mohave County doesn’t have dozens of veterinary hospitals on every corner like big cities. Most of our local clinics run with small, dedicated teams who handle everything from vaccinations to surgeries. Once the seasonal population arrives with their pets, those same clinics suddenly have double the demand. It’s not anyone’s fault, it’s just math.

Even simple requests like a nail trim, vaccine booster, or medication refill can take longer than usual this time of year. Emergencies, unfortunately, don’t wait politely for an opening. That’s why being proactive makes such a difference.

Book Early and Be Flexible
If your pet is due for a wellness check, vaccines, or a dental cleaning, don’t wait until you absolutely need it. As soon as you know it’s coming up, get on the schedule. Calling two or three months in advance is not overkill, it’s smart.

Many clinics keep cancellation lists. Let the staff know you’re willing to take a last-minute slot if one opens. Flexibility can sometimes cut your wait time dramatically.

Keep a List of Emergency Options
Routine care can be planned, but emergencies can’t. After-hours or 24-hour options are limited in our region. Depending on the situation, you may need to head to Kingman, Lake Havasu, or even to the Las Vegas area for urgent treatment.

It’s worth keeping a list of emergency clinics, phone numbers, and directions saved in your phone or download our PET RESOURCES sheet to post on your fridge or keep in a convenient place. In a real emergency, the last thing you want to do is scramble for information.

Stay Ahead on Prescriptions
If your dog or cat takes regular medication, order refills early. Don’t wait until the bottle is down to the last pill. Pharmacy delays happen, and veterinary staff have heavier workloads during these months. Having an extra week or two of supply means your pet never has to go without.

Build Relationships With Your Vet Team
Being a familiar, dependable client can help. Clinics often go out of their way for pet owners who communicate well, keep appointments, and follow recommendations. When your vet’s office knows you’re proactive, they’re more likely to fit you in if something unexpected comes up.

Prevention Is Your Best Friend
The more you can prevent issues, the less you’ll need urgent care during a crowded season. Keep up with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round. Monitor your pet’s weight, hydration, and activity to reduce risks of sudden illness. And don’t ignore small issues such as ear infections, dental problems, or limping can turn into big issues if left untreated, and they’re always harder to address when clinics are slammed.

Look at the Calendar, Not Just the Pet
It’s easy to fall into the habit of waiting until your pet “seems due.” But in this area, it pays to think about timing in relation to the snowbird season. If your pet’s next vaccine or checkup falls anywhere between November and March, try to schedule before the rush. Even shifting routine care forward a month or two can save you headaches later.

A Community Reality
Snowbird season is part of the local rhythm. Everyone from grocery stores to golf courses feels the difference, and veterinary care is no exception. It is about being prepared for the cycle we all know is coming.

By booking early, keeping medications stocked, knowing your emergency options, and practicing preventive care, you can make sure your pets stay safe and healthy no matter how full the waiting room is. The snowbird months will always be busy, but with some foresight, they don’t have to be stressful for you, or for your four-legged family members.