This is a problem everywhere as noted.
My lameness vet is about to retire, meaning that the practice will have one vet. That vet will do sporthorse stuff only—no routine stuff or emergencies. They were unable to find another vet to hire.
My awesome equine vet moved out of the area five years ago bc she couldn’t get consistent help and she was running herself ragged. She joined an existing practice with a clinic and several vets.
I have a few friends who are vets and one posted something earlier today about the vet shortage.
OTOH when Dice got hit by the car I called my regular vet, they asked if I was a regular client and what my name was, and then said to bring him in immediately. Although the outcome was sad I still thanked then profusely and sent a card.
When I adopted a new cat from the shelter and called them for the free exam provided by the shelter, they got me an appointment nine days out and honored the voucher that was officially good for only a week.