20 Amazing Facts about Veterinarians in the USA

The veterinary profession plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals.

In this collection of statistics, we delve into various aspects of the veterinary profession itself in the USA. These insightful and fun facts about veterinarians shed light on the global market for veterinary services, the demographics of veterinarians, their income and job prospects.

Veterinary Employment Facts USA

• 1. The average annual income for veterinarians in the United States with more than 2 years experience is $110,000 – $140,000
• 2. 44% of private veterinary practitioners reported they are thinking of exiting veterinary medicine before retirement.
• 3. Relief veterinarians in the US can expect to earn between USD $400 – $1000 per day depending on the State and specialism.
• 4. In the United States, there were approximately 28,000 veterinary technicians and technologists working in private practice
• 5. The average debt for veterinary school graduates in the United States is around $183,014.
• 6. Nearly one-third of veterinary staff say they are “very likely” to leave their practice in the next two years.
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Veterinary Industry Facts USA

• 7. In the United States, there were approximately 124,069 veterinarians practicing in 2022.
• 8. The veterinary profession is predominantly female, with women comprising 65% of all veterinarians working in clinical practice in the United States as per a recent study in 2022.
• 9. The unemployment rate for veterinarians in the United States is approximately 0.5% in 2022.
• 10. The job outlook for veterinarians in the United States is favorable, with a projected growth rate of 16% from 2019 to 2029.
• 11. Around 85% of veterinarians in the United States are engaged in private clinical practice.
• 12. It is expected there will be a shortage of nearly 15,000 veterinarians in the US by 2030.
• 13. The specialties with the highest number of board-certified veterinarians in the United States are internal medicine, surgery, and dermatology.
• 14. The average student-to-faculty ratio in veterinary schools in the United States is 6.8 students to 1 faculty.
• 15. The global veterinary services market was valued at $100.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $128.2 billion by 2025, growing at 5.0% from 2020 to 2025.
• 16. Nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians will be needed to meet the needs of companion animal healthcare by 2030.
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Animal Ownership Facts USA

• 17. In the United States, 67% of households, or about 85 million families, own a pet.
• 18. The pet insurance market is expected to reach $13.2 billion globally by 2027.
• 19. The global animal vaccines market was valued at $8.0 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $12.1 billion by 2025.
• 20. Dogs are the most common pet in the U.S. (65 million U.S. households own a dog), followed by cats (46 million households) and freshwater fish (11 million households).
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Veterinarian Facts Show Industry in Good Health

These interesting facts about veterinarians show that the demand for veterinary services is on the rise, with a steady growth projected in the coming years. The increasing pet ownership rates, advancements in animal healthcare, and the growing awareness of the importance of veterinary care contribute to this upward trend.

However, the profession is not without challenges. The substantial debt burden faced by veterinary school graduates remains a concern, highlighting the need for financial support and accessible resources for aspiring veterinarians. 

Looking for a Change in Veterinary Career? We Can Help!

The Vet Service are veterinary recruitment specialists helping to connect vets and practices worldwide.

We have a wide range of veterinary roles across the US and Canada – but we also help veterinarians to find positions across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Get in touch with a recruitment specialist today to see how we can help you find your perfect new vet role.

Veterinary Stat Sources:

1. The Vet Service – Global Vet Salary Report
2.  2021 AVMA Veterinarian and Practice Owners Survey
3. The Vet Service – Global Vet Salary Report
4.  AVMA
5. AVMA
6.  Zippia.com
7. AVMA
8. AVMA
9. AVMA
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics
11. AVMA
12. Mars Veterinary Health
13. AVMA
14. AVMA
15. Grand View Research and Markets
16. Mars Veterinary Health
17. American Pet Products Association – APPA
18. Pet Insurance Market Size – Grand View Research
19. Animal Vaccines Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report – Grand View Research
20. American Pet Products Association – APPA