The Current Number of Veterinarians

The United States has approximately 115,000 to 120,000 licensed veterinarians. This figure comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), though the exact count shifts year to year as new graduates enter the field and others retire. The number has grown steadily over the past two decades as pet ownership has increased and veterinary services have expanded beyond traditional animal care into research, public health, and wildlife management.

Not all of these veterinarians work in the same setting. Some run private practices, others work in animal hospitals, and still others are employed by government agencies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies. The distribution varies by state and region, with more veterinarians concentrated in urban and suburban areas where pet ownership is higher.

Key Takeaways

  • The United States has roughly 115,000 to 120,000 licensed veterinarians, a number that grows each year as new graduates complete their training.
  • About 80 percent of veterinarians work in private practice, either as owners or employees of animal hospitals and clinics.
  • The remaining veterinarians work in government, research, academia, food safety, and public health roles.
  • Veterinarian numbers vary significantly by state, with states like California, Texas, and New York having the most licensed practitioners.

Where Veterinarians Work

The majority of veterinarians—roughly 80 percent—work in private practice. This includes small-animal clinics that treat dogs and cats, large-animal practices focused on horses and livestock, and mixed-animal facilities that handle both. Private practice veterinarians either own their own clinics or work as employees for established hospitals and chains.

The remaining 20 percent work across a range of other settings. Government veterinarians work for agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health departments. Academic veterinarians teach and conduct research at veterinary schools and universities. Others work in pharmaceutical development, food safety inspection, wildlife management, and public health roles that may not involve direct animal care.

How Many Veterinary Schools Produce New Graduates

There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Each school produces between 50 and 150 graduates per year, depending on the size of the program. Across all schools, roughly 3,500 to 4,000 new veterinarians graduate annually and become licensed to practice.

Admission to veterinary school is competitive. Most programs require a bachelor's degree, prerequisite science courses, veterinary experience, and strong test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT). The four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is the standard credential, though some graduates pursue additional specialization through residency programs.

Veterinarian Numbers by State

Veterinarian density is not uniform across the country. States with large populations and high pet ownership—California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania—have the most veterinarians in absolute numbers. However, the ratio of veterinarians to population or to the number of pets varies significantly.

Rural states and regions often have fewer veterinarians per capita, which can mean longer wait times for appointments and longer travel distances for pet owners. Some rural areas rely on traveling veterinarians or telemedicine consultations to fill gaps in local services. The AVMA publishes state-by-state data on veterinarian licensure, though the most current figures may require contacting individual state veterinary boards.

Growth in the Veterinary Profession

The number of veterinarians has grown faster than the general workforce over the past 20 years. This growth reflects increased spending on pet care, expansion of veterinary services into new areas like behavioral medicine and rehabilitation, and growing demand for food safety and public health veterinarians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in veterinary employment through the next decade.

At the same time, veterinary schools have expanded their class sizes and some new schools have opened, increasing the pipeline of new graduates. This expansion has made the profession more accessible in some ways, though competition for positions in desirable locations or specialties remains strong.

Veterinarians in Specialized Fields

Beyond general practice, thousands of veterinarians work in specialized roles. Food animal veterinarians work with cattle, poultry, and swine producers to manage herd health and food safety. Equine veterinarians focus on horses. Zoo and exotic animal veterinarians care for wildlife and non-traditional pets. Veterinary pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons complete additional training to specialize in specific diagnostic or surgical areas.

Public health veterinarians track disease outbreaks, work on zoonotic disease prevention (diseases that spread from animals to humans), and advise government agencies. Research veterinarians develop new treatments and vaccines. These specialized roles account for a smaller portion of the total veterinary workforce but are essential to animal health, food safety, and human public health.

How to Find a Veterinarian in Your Area

If you need to find a veterinarian, the AVMA website includes a searchable directory of licensed veterinarians by state. Your state's veterinary medical board also maintains a list of licensed practitioners. Local animal shelters, pet stores, and other pet owners can provide referrals to clinics in your area.

When searching, consider whether you need a general practitioner or a specialist, the clinic's hours and location, whether they accept your pet's species, and whether they offer emergency services or have a relationship with an emergency clinic nearby. Many practices list their services and credentials online, making it easier to narrow your choices before calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many veterinarians are there per 100,000 people?

The ratio varies by state, but nationally there are roughly 35 to 40 veterinarians per 100,000 people. Rural states may have significantly fewer, while densely populated urban states may have more. This ratio does not account for the number of pets, which is often a better measure of veterinary demand.

Is there a shortage of veterinarians?

Some regions and specialties face shortages. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain veterinarians, and certain fields like food animal medicine and public health have fewer practitioners than demand suggests. Urban areas and small-animal practices generally have adequate supply, though wait times for appointments can still be long in popular clinics.

How many veterinarians work in government?

Roughly 3,000 to 4,000 veterinarians work for federal, state, and local government agencies. The largest employers are the USDA and state departments of agriculture. These roles focus on food safety, disease control, and animal welfare rather than direct pet care.

Do veterinarian numbers include retired practitioners?

No. The count of licensed veterinarians includes only those actively holding a license. Retired veterinarians who have let their licenses lapse are not included in the total. The number of active veterinarians is therefore lower than the total number of people who have ever earned a veterinary degree.

Are there more veterinarians now than 10 years ago?

Yes. The veterinary workforce has grown by roughly 15 to 20 percent over the past decade, driven by increased pet ownership, higher spending on pet care, and expansion of veterinary school capacity. This growth is expected to continue.