GITNUXREPORT 2025

Veterinarian Shortage Statistics

US veterinary shortage looming due to retirements, urban bias, and low graduate numbers.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average income for veterinarians in small animal practice is around $100,000, which many argue is insufficient given student debt levels

Statistic 2

The rise in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for veterinary services by over 25%, exacerbating existing shortages

Statistic 3

Rising pet ownership rates are expected to increase veterinary demand by 30% over the next decade, worsening current staffing shortages

Statistic 4

Lack of procedures for licensing foreign-trained vets limits the international recruitment of veterinary professionals, contributing to shortages

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The cost of veterinary education has increased by over 50% in the last two decades, making it harder to attract students into the profession

Statistic 6

In some states, veterinary licensing exams experience delays, creating bottlenecks in onboarding new professionals, contributing to shortages

Statistic 7

There is an ongoing debate about increasing veterinary school class sizes to address shortages, but concerns exist about the quality of clinical training

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The shortage has led to increased use of veterinary telemedicine as a partial solution, but licensing and regulation challenges limit its expansion

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The average age of practicing veterinarians in the United States is over 50, indicating a potential impending retiree wave

Statistic 10

A survey found that over 65% of new veterinary graduates are considering leaving clinical practice within five years due to burnout

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The veterinary field has seen a 35% increase in retirements over the last five years, contributing to workforce gaps

Statistic 12

There is a projected shortfall of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 veterinarians in the United States by 2033

Statistic 13

Nearly 60% of US veterinary practices report difficulty in recruiting associate veterinarians

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Approximately 70% of veterinarians work in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved

Statistic 15

The number of veterinary college graduates in the U.S. fell by 10% from 2010 to 2020, contributing to workforce shortages

Statistic 16

Only 20% of veterinary graduates choose careers in rural practice, limiting access in underserved areas

Statistic 17

About 80% of small animal practices experience difficulties hiring veterinarians, indicating a national shortage

Statistic 18

The top reasons for veterinarian shortages include low pay, high student debt, and demanding working hours

Statistic 19

Vet techs and assistants face a similar staffing crisis, with over 50% of clinics reporting shortages

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The veterinary workforce vacancy rate is approximately 8%, significantly higher than the national average for healthcare professions

Statistic 21

Rural veterinary shortages are particularly acute in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, with vacancy rates exceeding 20%

Statistic 22

Over 50% of veterinary schools report not having enough clinical training sites, which constrains graduation rates and future workforce supply

Statistic 23

The annual demand for veterinary services exceeds supply by an estimated 5-10%, creating access barriers for pet owners

Statistic 24

Veterinarians working in emergency clinics report a vacancy rate of nearly 15%, highlighting shortages in specialty sectors

Statistic 25

Nearly 40% of veterinary students graduate with over $200,000 in debt, influencing their career choices and contributing to a workforce imbalance

Statistic 26

Overall, veterinary schools are graduating fewer students annually, with a decline of roughly 7% over the past decade, affecting supply

Statistic 27

The shortage of veterinary professionals leads to increased wait times for pet owners, with some clinics reporting delays of over a week

Statistic 28

The geographic distribution of veterinarians is highly uneven, with some counties having no practicing vets at all, especially in rural areas

Statistic 29

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth for veterinarians at 19% from 2021 to 2031, but shortages may hinder this growth

Statistic 30

Veterinary technologists and technicians are experiencing a 15% job vacancy rate nationwide, impacting clinical capacity

Statistic 31

Veterinarians specializing in large animals are especially scarce, with some rural regions lacking any equine or livestock vets

Statistic 32

The majority of veterinary clinics (over 65%) would hire more staff if enough qualified applicants were available, but shortages prevent expansion

Statistic 33

Approximately 85% of veterinary graduates work in private clinics, yet the workforce is not expanding fast enough to meet increasing demand

Statistic 34

The rise of corporate veterinary chains has contributed to workforce centralization, but also to increased staffing challenges in traditional practices

Statistic 35

Veterinarians report high stress levels, with over 50% experiencing burnout, which is linked to workforce attrition

Statistic 36

Telehealth veterinary services surged during the pandemic, yet a shortage of licensed vets limits the potential for wider adoption

Statistic 37

The veterinary profession is projected to need an additional 6,000 new graduates annually in the next decade to meet demand, but current graduation rates fall short

Statistic 38

The shortage disproportionately affects specialized fields like oncology, cardiology, and surgery, which are growing rapidly but have fewer practitioners

Statistic 39

Some rural veterinary practices operate with just one veterinarian, often working 70+ hours per week due to staffing shortages

Statistic 40

Veterinary students who graduate debt-free are more likely to enter rural and underserved practice areas, helping to alleviate shortages

Statistic 41

According to surveys, over 70% of veterinary clinics report that their staffing shortages are impacting patient care quality

Statistic 42

The federal government has initiated programs aiming to increase veterinary workforce in underserved areas, but participation remains limited

Statistic 43

The increasing demand for exotic and emergency veterinary services is outpacing the supply of specialized veterinarians, creating niche shortages

Statistic 44

The geographic maldistribution of veterinarians is partly due to economic factors, with rural areas offering lower wages and fewer amenities, leading to shortages

Statistic 45

Veterinary clinics are increasingly relying on temporary and locum vets to fill staffing gaps, which can be costly and temporary

Statistic 46

The veterinary shortage also affects research opportunities, as fewer vets are available to participate in clinical trials and studies, impeding medical advances

Statistic 47

In response to shortages, some veterinary schools are increasing class sizes or creating new programs, but capacity limits slow the overall impact

Statistic 48

The cost of recruiting a new veterinarian can range from $10,000 to $20,000, adding financial strain on clinics trying to expand staff

Statistic 49

Veterinary workforce shortages contribute to delays in diagnostic testing and treatments, affecting animal health outcomes

Statistic 50

The demand for veterinary specialists is projected to grow faster than general practice positions, intensifying existing shortages in specialty fields

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Key Highlights

There is a projected shortfall of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 veterinarians in the United States by 2033
Nearly 60% of US veterinary practices report difficulty in recruiting associate veterinarians
The average age of practicing veterinarians in the United States is over 50, indicating a potential impending retiree wave
Approximately 70% of veterinarians work in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved
The number of veterinary college graduates in the U.S. fell by 10% from 2010 to 2020, contributing to workforce shortages
Only 20% of veterinary graduates choose careers in rural practice, limiting access in underserved areas
About 80% of small animal practices experience difficulties hiring veterinarians, indicating a national shortage
The top reasons for veterinarian shortages include low pay, high student debt, and demanding working hours
Vet techs and assistants face a similar staffing crisis, with over 50% of clinics reporting shortages
A survey found that over 65% of new veterinary graduates are considering leaving clinical practice within five years due to burnout
The veterinary workforce vacancy rate is approximately 8%, significantly higher than the national average for healthcare professions
The average income for veterinarians in small animal practice is around $100,000, which many argue is insufficient given student debt levels
Rural veterinary shortages are particularly acute in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, with vacancy rates exceeding 20%

As pet ownership skyrockets and a looming wave of retirements accelerates, the United States faces a critical veterinary workforce crisis, with shortages threatening to compromise animal care across urban, rural, and specialized practices.

Economic Factors and Industry Trends

The average income for veterinarians in small animal practice is around $100,000, which many argue is insufficient given student debt levels

Economic Factors and Industry Trends Interpretation

Despite earning a respectable $100,000 annually, veterinarians face a tough balancing act—loving their work but feeling the weight of student debt, highlighting that passion alone isn't enough to fix the profession's financial struggles.

Pet Ownership Trends and Demand for Services

The rise in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for veterinary services by over 25%, exacerbating existing shortages
Rising pet ownership rates are expected to increase veterinary demand by 30% over the next decade, worsening current staffing shortages

Pet Ownership Trends and Demand for Services Interpretation

As more households welcome furry friends into their lives, the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has not only boosted veterinary demand by over a quarter but also threatens to turn the grooming crisis into a full-blown staffing epidemic over the next decade.

Veterinary Education and Licensing

Lack of procedures for licensing foreign-trained vets limits the international recruitment of veterinary professionals, contributing to shortages
The cost of veterinary education has increased by over 50% in the last two decades, making it harder to attract students into the profession
In some states, veterinary licensing exams experience delays, creating bottlenecks in onboarding new professionals, contributing to shortages
There is an ongoing debate about increasing veterinary school class sizes to address shortages, but concerns exist about the quality of clinical training
The shortage has led to increased use of veterinary telemedicine as a partial solution, but licensing and regulation challenges limit its expansion

Veterinary Education and Licensing Interpretation

Despite soaring education costs and licensing hurdles, the veterinary profession's talent pipeline remains parched, leaving telemedicine as a makeshift band-aid in addressing a much deeper systemic shortage.

Workforce Demographics and Distribution

The average age of practicing veterinarians in the United States is over 50, indicating a potential impending retiree wave
A survey found that over 65% of new veterinary graduates are considering leaving clinical practice within five years due to burnout
The veterinary field has seen a 35% increase in retirements over the last five years, contributing to workforce gaps

Workforce Demographics and Distribution Interpretation

With seasoned veterinarians nearing retirement and a new generation burning out before a decade, America's pet caretakers are facing a potential crisis—it's time to worry about more than just the animals.

Workforce Shortages and Regional Disparities

There is a projected shortfall of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 veterinarians in the United States by 2033
Nearly 60% of US veterinary practices report difficulty in recruiting associate veterinarians
Approximately 70% of veterinarians work in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved
The number of veterinary college graduates in the U.S. fell by 10% from 2010 to 2020, contributing to workforce shortages
Only 20% of veterinary graduates choose careers in rural practice, limiting access in underserved areas
About 80% of small animal practices experience difficulties hiring veterinarians, indicating a national shortage
The top reasons for veterinarian shortages include low pay, high student debt, and demanding working hours
Vet techs and assistants face a similar staffing crisis, with over 50% of clinics reporting shortages
The veterinary workforce vacancy rate is approximately 8%, significantly higher than the national average for healthcare professions
Rural veterinary shortages are particularly acute in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, with vacancy rates exceeding 20%
Over 50% of veterinary schools report not having enough clinical training sites, which constrains graduation rates and future workforce supply
The annual demand for veterinary services exceeds supply by an estimated 5-10%, creating access barriers for pet owners
Veterinarians working in emergency clinics report a vacancy rate of nearly 15%, highlighting shortages in specialty sectors
Nearly 40% of veterinary students graduate with over $200,000 in debt, influencing their career choices and contributing to a workforce imbalance
Overall, veterinary schools are graduating fewer students annually, with a decline of roughly 7% over the past decade, affecting supply
The shortage of veterinary professionals leads to increased wait times for pet owners, with some clinics reporting delays of over a week
The geographic distribution of veterinarians is highly uneven, with some counties having no practicing vets at all, especially in rural areas
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth for veterinarians at 19% from 2021 to 2031, but shortages may hinder this growth
Veterinary technologists and technicians are experiencing a 15% job vacancy rate nationwide, impacting clinical capacity
Veterinarians specializing in large animals are especially scarce, with some rural regions lacking any equine or livestock vets
The majority of veterinary clinics (over 65%) would hire more staff if enough qualified applicants were available, but shortages prevent expansion
Approximately 85% of veterinary graduates work in private clinics, yet the workforce is not expanding fast enough to meet increasing demand
The rise of corporate veterinary chains has contributed to workforce centralization, but also to increased staffing challenges in traditional practices
Veterinarians report high stress levels, with over 50% experiencing burnout, which is linked to workforce attrition
Telehealth veterinary services surged during the pandemic, yet a shortage of licensed vets limits the potential for wider adoption
The veterinary profession is projected to need an additional 6,000 new graduates annually in the next decade to meet demand, but current graduation rates fall short
The shortage disproportionately affects specialized fields like oncology, cardiology, and surgery, which are growing rapidly but have fewer practitioners
Some rural veterinary practices operate with just one veterinarian, often working 70+ hours per week due to staffing shortages
Veterinary students who graduate debt-free are more likely to enter rural and underserved practice areas, helping to alleviate shortages
According to surveys, over 70% of veterinary clinics report that their staffing shortages are impacting patient care quality
The federal government has initiated programs aiming to increase veterinary workforce in underserved areas, but participation remains limited
The increasing demand for exotic and emergency veterinary services is outpacing the supply of specialized veterinarians, creating niche shortages
The geographic maldistribution of veterinarians is partly due to economic factors, with rural areas offering lower wages and fewer amenities, leading to shortages
Veterinary clinics are increasingly relying on temporary and locum vets to fill staffing gaps, which can be costly and temporary
The veterinary shortage also affects research opportunities, as fewer vets are available to participate in clinical trials and studies, impeding medical advances
In response to shortages, some veterinary schools are increasing class sizes or creating new programs, but capacity limits slow the overall impact
The cost of recruiting a new veterinarian can range from $10,000 to $20,000, adding financial strain on clinics trying to expand staff
Veterinary workforce shortages contribute to delays in diagnostic testing and treatments, affecting animal health outcomes
The demand for veterinary specialists is projected to grow faster than general practice positions, intensifying existing shortages in specialty fields

Workforce Shortages and Regional Disparities Interpretation

Despite the U.S. veterinary workforce laboring under a 'critically understaffed' label—facing a projected shortfall of up to 18,000 vets by 2033, exacerbated by high student debt, urban-centric distribution, and burnout—efforts to increase training capacity and incentivize rural practice remain hampered by capacity constraints and economic disincentives, leaving pet owners and farm communities alike navigating longer waits and limited access amidst a profession that’s struggling to keep pace with rising demand.