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Why is There a Veterinarian Shortage?

ROO Team
July 10, 2025
Animal Hospitals

Right now, the veterinary job market is in a state of flux. Demand for veterinary services is higher than ever, thanks in large part to a surge in pet ownership since the pandemic. According to recent industry summaries from Veterinary Analytics, job postings for veterinarians and vet techs remain high, but there are signs that the intense competition for talent is starting to ease in some areas. This suggests that while demand is still strong, the supply of veterinary professionals is beginning to catch up, at least in certain markets.

However, it’s not a uniform picture. Rural and specialty practices continue to face challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff. Urban clinics, on the other hand, may be seeing more applicants and less pressure to fill open positions. This means that the experience of a “shortage” can vary widely depending on where you are and what kind of practice you work in.

What’s Driving These Changes?

Several factors are shaping the current landscape:

  • More Graduates Entering the Field: With new veterinary schools opening and existing ones increasing class sizes, more graduates are entering the workforce each year. This is slowly helping to balance the supply and demand for veterinarians.
  • Changing Workforce Preferences: Many veterinary professionals are seeking better work-life balance, flexible schedules, and supportive workplaces. This is leading to more job movement and opportunities for relief and locum work.
  • Rural vs. Urban Divide: Rural and specialty practices are still struggling to attract talent, while urban and corporate practices may be seeing more stability.
  • Burnout and Mental Health: Burnout remains a significant concern, with many professionals leaving or reducing their hours due to stress and emotional strain.

How Does This Affect Veterinary Professionals?

For veterinarians and vet techs, these trends mean more options than ever before. Job openings are plentiful, especially in certain regions and specialties. Professionals can negotiate for better pay, more flexible schedules, and improved benefits. Relief and locum work are on the rise, offering even more flexibility and the chance to try different practice settings.

For clinic managers, the challenge is to create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. This means offering competitive compensation, supporting mental health, and fostering a positive team environment.

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What About Pet Owners?

Pet owners may still experience longer wait times for appointments in some areas, especially in rural communities or for specialty care. However, in larger cities, the situation is improving as more veterinarians enter the workforce and clinics adapt to changing demands.

What’s Being Done to Address Workforce Challenges?

The industry is responding in several ways:

  • Expanding Veterinary Education: More schools and larger class sizes are helping to increase the number of new graduates.
  • Supporting Mental Health: Clinics are investing in mental health resources and creating more supportive work environments.
  • Offering Flexible Work Options: Relief and locum roles are becoming more common, giving professionals more control over their schedules.
  • Targeting Rural Recruitment: Loan repayment programs and financial incentives are being used to attract veterinarians to underserved areas.

What’s Next for the Veterinary Industry?

According to Veterinary Analytics and other industry observers, the veterinary workforce is in a period of transition. While some areas still face staffing challenges, the overall picture is improving as more professionals enter the field and clinics adapt to new ways of working. The key to success for both professionals and clinics is to stay informed, flexible, and supportive of one another.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered

1 : Is there really a shortage of veterinarians?

Answer : The situation varies by region and practice type. While some areas still struggle to find enough veterinarians, others are seeing more stability as the workforce grows.

2 : How is the veterinary job market changing?

Answer : Job openings remain high, but more graduates and flexible work options are helping to ease the pressure in many markets.

3 : Are rural and specialty practices still facing challenges?

Answer : Yes, rural and specialty practices often have a harder time recruiting and retaining staff compared to urban clinics.

4 : What can veterinary professionals do to thrive in this environment?

Answer : Professionals can seek flexible roles, negotiate for better benefits, and prioritize their mental health.

5 :  How can clinics attract and retain top talent?

Answer : Clinics should offer competitive pay, support mental health, and create a positive work environment.

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