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AVMA says veterinarian supply looks stable, shortages localized

Strong demand for veterinarians continues to attract new graduates toward companion animal practice.

John Volk with Brakke Consulting tells Brownfield companion animals make up about three-fourths of veterinarian services and filling demands in rural areas can be challenging.

“Because the market has been so strong, they’ve gravitated to higher paying jobs in more urban/suburban areas where they have more regular hours and were not on call on weekends,” he says.

Volk recently analyzed the supply of veterinarians in the workforce for the American Veterinarian Medical Association.

He says while there should be enough veterinarians to meet service needs over the next decade, there can be localized shortages.

“Oftentimes there isn’t enough revenue to really attract a veterinarian to that area or they just don’t compete well with higher paying jobs elsewhere,” he explains.

He says the research shows rural practice can be highly attractive.

“Rural veterinarians tend to be happier, have higher well-being, and better mental health than veterinarians and urban suburban areas,” he shares. “If there are ways to make the economics work, then veterinarians will go there.”

The American Veterinarian Medical Association has recently accredited three new schools and 13 are pursuing new accreditations to meet the growing demand for services.

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has solicited more than 250 veterinarians for fiscal years 2023-25 for the Veterinary Services Grant Program to fill veterinary shortages in rural areas.

AUDIO: John Volk

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