Veterinarians Significantly Contribute to Gross Domestic Product

A recent study conducted by the Purdue Extension Community Development Program of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that the college and its alumni had a significant impact of $476.9 million on the Indiana economy in 2014 by creating good-paying jobs and providing direct and indirect economic output. The results of the study showed that every 10 jobs directly related to the college and its alumni supported an additional 8 jobs at other Indiana businesses in 2014 and that alumni who are veterinarians generated $113.6 million in increased economic activity and supported 868 jobs through indirect or induced effects. In addition, of the $476.9 million, $219.2 million resulted from increased economic activity from indirect expenditures and $311.4 million was contributed to the state’s gross domestic product from the college and its alumni.

Indiana is the largest producer of ducks in the nation, the third largest in egg and turkey production, and fifth in swine production. The state has over 22,000 farms producing livestock, poultry, and related products, with a total valuation of $3.68 billion. In addition, the study states that more than half of Indiana households own a pet. It should come as no surprise then, that more than 60% of the state’s veterinarian’s and 30% of the state’s veterinary techs hail from Purdue University and 16 of 17 staff veterinarians at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health are graduates of the college.

Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, is quoted as saying, "Measuring our economic impact, in the context of the state that gave us our land-grant charter, is an important part of telling our story. The information provided by this study reflects our contributions to the overall health of our state and nation."