The Current Number of Licensed Veterinarians

The United States has approximately 110,000 to 115,000 licensed veterinarians. This count comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which tracks veterinary professionals across all practice settings. The exact number shifts year to year as new graduates enter the field and others retire or change careers.

Not all of these veterinarians work in the same type of practice. Some run small animal clinics, others work in large animal agriculture, and still others focus on research, public health, or laboratory work. The distribution matters if you are trying to understand what kinds of veterinary services are available in your region.

Key Takeaways

  • The United States has roughly 110,000 to 115,000 licensed veterinarians, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
  • About 80 percent of veterinarians work in private clinical practice, treating companion animals like dogs and cats.
  • The remaining veterinarians work in agriculture, research, government agencies, military service, and public health roles.
  • Veterinarian numbers have grown steadily over the past two decades as demand for animal care has increased.
  • The number of veterinary schools and graduates has expanded, though geographic distribution remains uneven across states.

Where Veterinarians Work

The majority of veterinarians—roughly 80 percent—work in private clinical practice. This includes small animal hospitals that treat pets, mixed animal practices that serve both pets and livestock, and equine clinics focused on horses. These are the veterinarians you contact when your dog needs a checkup or your cat requires surgery.

The remaining 20 percent work in other settings. Government veterinarians staff the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), state animal health offices, and public health departments. Military veterinarians serve in the armed forces. Research veterinarians work in universities and pharmaceutical companies. Laboratory animal veterinarians care for animals used in medical research. Food safety veterinarians inspect meat and poultry processing plants.

This split means that while companion animal veterinarians are the most visible, a substantial number of veterinarians work behind the scenes in roles that affect food safety, disease control, and scientific research.

How Veterinarian Numbers Have Changed

The veterinary profession has grown significantly over the past 20 years. In the early 2000s, the United States had roughly 80,000 licensed veterinarians. The increase reflects both rising pet ownership and growing awareness of animal health care. More people own pets, and pet owners spend more on veterinary services than they did two decades ago.

The number of veterinary school graduates has also increased. The United States currently has 32 accredited veterinary schools, up from 27 in the 1990s. Each school produces 50 to 150 graduates per year, depending on its size. This expansion was designed to address shortages in rural areas and underserved regions, though geographic gaps remain.

Veterinarian Distribution Across States

Veterinarians are not evenly spread across the country. States with large urban populations and higher pet ownership—California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania—have the most veterinarians in absolute numbers. However, rural states often have fewer veterinarians per capita, meaning some areas have long waits for appointments or must travel significant distances for care.

The USDA and veterinary associations track these gaps because they affect both pet owners and agricultural communities. A county with only one large animal veterinarian may face serious challenges if that veterinarian retires or leaves. Some states have launched programs to encourage new graduates to practice in underserved areas, though results vary.

Specialization Within Veterinary Medicine

Not all veterinarians have the same training or focus. A general practitioner treats a wide range of conditions in dogs, cats, and other common pets. A specialist has completed additional training in a specific area—surgery, cardiology, dermatology, oncology, or dentistry, for example. Specialists typically work in larger animal hospitals or referral centers and charge higher fees than general practitioners.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes more than 20 veterinary specialties. Becoming a specialist requires completing a residency program after veterinary school, which takes an additional two to five years. This means specialists represent a smaller subset of the total veterinary workforce, and they tend to concentrate in urban areas where demand and fees support their practice.

Education and Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed veterinarian in the United States, a person must graduate from an accredited veterinary school and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Veterinary school takes four years after completing undergraduate prerequisites in biology, chemistry, and other sciences. The entire path from high school to licensed veterinarian typically takes eight years or more.

Each state issues its own veterinary license, though most states recognize licenses from other states without requiring additional exams. Some states have reciprocity agreements that streamline the process. A veterinarian who moves to a new state may need to register with that state's veterinary board, but the process is usually straightforward if they are already licensed elsewhere.

Job Outlook and Future Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in veterinary positions over the next decade. Demand is expected to remain strong because pet ownership continues to rise and pet owners increasingly view their animals as family members worthy of advanced medical care. Aging populations in rural areas may also create openings as current veterinarians retire.

However, growth in the number of veterinary school graduates may eventually match or exceed job growth, which could affect salaries and competition for positions. Some recent graduates report difficulty finding employment in their preferred location or specialty, particularly in saturated urban markets. Rural and agricultural veterinary positions remain less competitive to fill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a veterinarian near me?

The AVMA website has a veterinarian search tool where you can enter your zip code and see licensed veterinarians in your area. You can also search online for "veterinarian near me" or ask your local animal shelter for recommendations. Reading reviews and calling ahead to ask about services, hours, and fees helps you find a good fit.

What is the difference between a veterinarian and a veterinary technician?

A veterinarian is a licensed doctor who diagnoses diseases, performs surgery, and prescribes medication. A veterinary technician has completed a two-year program and assists the veterinarian by taking X-rays, drawing blood, and handling routine patient care. Technicians cannot diagnose or prescribe without a veterinarian's supervision.

Are there enough veterinarians in rural areas?

No. Rural areas typically have fewer veterinarians per capita than urban areas, and some counties have only one or two large animal veterinarians. This can mean longer waits for appointments or travel to reach care. Some states offer loan forgiveness or other incentives to encourage veterinarians to practice in underserved regions.

How many veterinary schools are in the United States?

There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States. Each produces graduates annually, though class sizes vary. The number of schools has grown in recent years to increase the supply of veterinarians, particularly in regions with shortages.

What percentage of veterinarians are female?

Women now make up roughly 60 percent of veterinary school graduates and a growing share of the licensed veterinary workforce. This represents a significant shift from decades past, when veterinary medicine was male-dominated. The profession continues to see more women entering and advancing into leadership roles.