Veterinarian Shortages Lead to Major Opportunities
I’m Haylie Shipp with the Southeast Regional Ag Report.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary jobs are expected to grow 17% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to Heather Grimm, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, “It is a phenomenon that’s not new to rural areas, livestock producers, large animal owners. However we are now finding even big city practices are shutting down days that they’re open, hours that they’re open.”
Meanwhile, a national survey by the American Veterinary Association found that a large number of veterinarians are set to retire in the next 15 years.
“Essentially the world is at a veterinarian’s fingertips. Wherever you want to go, wherever you want to live, essentially whatever you want to do, there’s pretty much an opportunity out there,” said Grimm
Dr. Grimm noted that there is a push towards corporate ownership. “Corporations are finding that there’s lots of money to be made in veterinary medicine. There’s a lot of heated arguments for and against corporate ownership. It can take the stresses of practice ownership off of a veterinarian allowing a veterinarian to practice. But then it comes with the conundrum of corporate bylaws and focus on money and profit.”
Approximately 4,400 veterinary jobs will open up every year on average for the next 10 years.
