AUSTIN (KXAN) — When our pets get sick or injured, we take them to the veterinarian, but with a nationwide veterinarian shortage, there can be wait times for appointments. there is.
Experts say the problem is only getting worse as more people own pets and fewer people enter the veterinary field.
Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine, which opened in 2021, receives about 1,000 applicants each year, but only about 300 spots are available, said John D'Ascanio of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, which opened in 2021.
“There is now a trend among many veterinary schools to expand class sizes and establish new schools,” D'Ascanio said.
Mars Veterinary Health research found that approximately 41,000 additional veterinarians will need to be hired by 2030 based on projected needs.
The needs of specialized fields and rural communities are even greater.
“For some specialty clinics, there may be a significant wait time to get into the clinic, or you may not be able to find one locally,” D'Ascanio says.
“This is a hindrance for animal owners who need to care for pets, herds, and large animals,” said Troy Alexander of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. “This problem is especially acute here in Texas, especially in rural Texas.”
Alexander says there is also a need for veterinary technicians.
“We need more veterinary technicians. We need more veterinarians themselves. Texas also has veterinary assistants, CVAs,” Alexander said.
For those entering the field, the shortage means there are many job opportunities after graduation.
“Right now, there are probably three to four job openings per veterinary student,” D'Ascanio said.
As concerns about the shortage grow, the issue is receiving increased attention and more programs are expected to be launched soon.
“Over a dozen new schools are scheduled to open across the country within the next three to four years,” D'Ascanio said.
