Veterinarian Shortage Threatens Pet Care: Mars Study Predicts 15,000 Fewer Vets by 2030

In the United States, there is currently a shortage of veterinarians that could lead to issues for pets in the future. A study by Mars Veterinary has predicted that by 2030, there may be up to 15,000 fewer vets than needed across the country due to this deficiency. This issue is causing delays in appointments both for routine care and urgent cases alike, with some emergency rooms even turning away patients because of a lack of veterinary staff on site. Forty-seven states are currently experiencing shortages of vet professionals, which can be attributed partly to the high cost of studying veterinary medicine – graduates often leave university with around $160,000 in debt. This means that many new vets will seek out more lucrative positions rather than working at municipal shelters or nonprofit organizations where salaries are lower. The Humane Society of Ventura County is trying to address this problem by hiring additional veterinarians and providing low-cost vaccinations in the community, recognizing that cost barriers to vet care need not be solely focused on finance but also geography – they themselves are located some distance from certain population centers. By encouraging the spaying/neutering of animals throughout local communities where feasible though their various education initiatives this nonprofit is hopeful that demand for veterinary services may subsequently lower as a result over time, helping to alleviate at least part of the issue they currently face in terms of shortages across much of America.