A veterinarian shortage could cost 75 million pets their access to care by 2030

October 1, 2020

dvm360 Staff

dvm360, dvm360 October 2020, Volume 51, Issue 10

Banfield Pet Hospital announces its plan to increase the pipeline of veterinary professionals and to tackle diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.

A new study from the Banfield Pet Hospital reveals that a shortage in veterinarians may cause an estimated 75 million pets in the United States to lose access to veterinary care by 2030.

With 90% of veterinarians identifying as white, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s not only a dire need to increase the number of veterinary professionals, but to also diversify the profession, the company said at its annual Pet Healthcare Industry Summit early last month.

"Pets are here for us, and as veterinary professionals, we must be here for them. Banfield is committed to partnering with the veterinary industry to ensure the talent pipeline grows and diversifies to meet the evolving needs of pets, people, and society,” says Banfield Pet Hospital President Brian Garish, in a company release.

Banfield says it has committed to the following initiatives to help increase the number of veterinary professionals and improve diversity:

Diversifying veterinary student populations

Banfield recently commissioned a survey of high school and college students from Lincoln University College of Medicine. Results showed that 57% of students surveyed had once considered becoming a veterinarian, but 32% changed their mind before graduating college. Over 50% of Black students in this population reported that a family member, friend, mentor, or school counselor persuaded them to choose another profession.

These findings reveal the importance of providing mentorship opportunities and working closely with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to help increase the pipeline of Black veterinary students, says Banfield.

Increase veterinary inclusiveness by 2030, with a 30% increase of Black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC) veterinary populations by 2030.
Strengthen the pipeline of Black veterinarians by partnering with Mars Veterinary Health, Royal Canin, and Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. The company also plans to launch the Banfield & Royal Canin Student Support Fund, donating an initial $125,000 to veterinary students in need of financial support.
Invest $1 million, over the next year in equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts, training, and to support industry efforts on the fight to a better diversity pipeline.

"With nearly 70% of Black veterinarians in the US being Tuskegee graduates, we're inspired by the work Banfield and Royal Canin are doing to continue to push for a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse profession," said Ruby Perry, DVM, MS, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Banfield has also announced that the newly-formed coalition Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition, will work in partnership with a commission that is being established by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the Veterinary Medical Association Executives and others, to drive equity, inclusion, and diversity across the profession.

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