The Current Number of Veterinarians in the U.S.

There are roughly 115,000 to 120,000 licensed veterinarians working in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This count includes veterinarians in private practice, government agencies, research institutions, and academic settings. The exact number shifts year to year as new graduates enter the field and others retire or change careers.

The veterinary workforce has grown steadily over the past two decades. In 2000, the profession had around 60,000 veterinarians; the doubling of that number reflects both population growth and increased demand for veterinary services, particularly in companion animal care.

Key Takeaways

  • Approximately 115,000 to 120,000 licensed veterinarians currently practice in the United States across all settings.
  • The majority of veterinarians work in private practice clinics treating companion animals like dogs and cats.
  • The veterinary workforce has roughly doubled since 2000, driven by higher pet ownership and expanded services.
  • Veterinarian numbers vary significantly by state, with larger states like California, Texas, and New York having the highest counts.
  • The profession continues to grow, with new veterinary school graduates entering the field each year.

Where Veterinarians Work

Most veterinarians—roughly 75 to 80 percent—work in private practice, operating or employed by animal hospitals and clinics. These practices range from solo operations to large multi-location chains. The majority focus on companion animals: dogs, cats, and small pets like rabbits and birds.

The remaining veterinarians work in diverse settings. Government agencies employ veterinarians for food safety inspection, disease control, and public health roles. Universities and research institutions hire veterinarians for teaching and laboratory research. Some work in industry, developing animal pharmaceuticals or pet food products. A smaller number practice equine medicine, livestock medicine, or exotic animal care.

How Veterinarian Numbers Vary by State

Veterinarian density is not evenly distributed across the country. States with larger populations and higher pet ownership rates have more veterinarians. California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania each have several thousand licensed veterinarians. Rural states and those with smaller populations have far fewer.

The ratio of veterinarians to population also matters. Some states have one veterinarian per 1,000 to 1,500 people, while others have one per 3,000 or more. This variation affects how easily people in different regions can find veterinary care, particularly in rural areas where veterinarians may be scarce and travel distances long.

Growth in the Veterinary Profession

The number of veterinarians has increased consistently for the past 20 years. Several factors drive this growth. Pet ownership in the United States remains high, and pet owners increasingly spend on preventive care, surgery, and specialized treatments. Companion animal medicine has expanded to include services like orthopedic surgery, oncology, and behavioral medicine.

Additionally, more women have entered veterinary medicine. In the 1980s, roughly 10 percent of veterinarians were women; today, women make up about 60 percent of veterinary school graduates. This shift has contributed to overall workforce growth and has changed the structure of many practices, with more part-time and flexible arrangements becoming common.

Veterinary School Graduates Each Year

The United States has 32 accredited veterinary schools that graduate new veterinarians annually. Each school produces between 50 and 150 graduates per year, depending on the program size. In total, roughly 3,500 to 4,000 new veterinarians enter the profession each year from U.S. veterinary schools.

This steady pipeline of new graduates means the profession continues to expand. However, not all graduates stay in the United States—some pursue opportunities abroad, and some leave veterinary practice entirely for other careers. The net growth in the profession is therefore somewhat lower than the number of new graduates.

Specialization and Advanced Credentials

Within the 115,000-plus veterinarians, a subset holds board certification in specialized areas. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes over 20 veterinary specialties, including surgery, dermatology, cardiology, and dentistry. Board-certified specialists represent roughly 5 to 10 percent of the total veterinary workforce.

Becoming a board-certified specialist requires additional training beyond the four-year veterinary degree—typically a residency lasting two to four years, followed by examination. Specialists often command higher fees and work in referral hospitals or university teaching hospitals rather than general practice clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a shortage of veterinarians in the United States?

Some regions, particularly rural areas, report difficulty finding available veterinarians, but this is a geographic shortage rather than a national one. Urban and suburban areas typically have adequate veterinary services. The profession is growing faster than the population, so shortages are usually local rather than systemic.

How many veterinarians graduate from U.S. schools each year?

Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 new veterinarians graduate from the 32 accredited U.S. veterinary schools annually. This number has remained relatively stable over the past decade, though individual schools vary in class size.

What percentage of veterinarians are female?

Women now represent about 60 percent of veterinary school graduates and roughly 40 to 45 percent of the total practicing veterinary workforce. The proportion of female veterinarians continues to increase as older, predominantly male cohorts retire.

Do veterinarian numbers include those who are retired or inactive?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts only actively licensed veterinarians working in the profession. Retired veterinarians or those with licenses but not practicing are not included in the 115,000-to-120,000 figure.

Are there more veterinarians now than 10 years ago?

Yes. The veterinary workforce has grown by roughly 20 to 25 percent over the past decade, reflecting increased demand for veterinary services and more graduates entering the field each year.