Veterinarians

Employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 16 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2029. The coronavirus pandemic has affected veterinary practices in 2020, with veterinarians adhering to new protocols to protect the health of animals and people. A growing number of people have adopted pets during the pandemic, which has also increased the need for veterinarians' services. In general, the number of pets is expected to increase slightly because of rising incomes and an increase in the number of people aged 34 to 59, among whom pet ownership has historically been the highest. Approximately 67 percent of U.S. households owned a pet in 2019, according to the American Pet Products Association. Many single adults and senior citizens have come to appreciate animal ownership. Pet owners also may be willing to pay for more elective and intensive care than in the past.

Emphasis on scientific methods of breeding and raising livestock, poultry, and fish and continued support for public health and disease control programs will contribute to the demand for veterinarians.

The outlook is good for veterinarians with specialty training. Demand for specialists in toxicology, laboratory animal medicine, and pathology is expected to increase. Most jobs for specialists will be in metropolitan areas. Prospects for veterinarians who concentrate on environmental and public health issues, aquaculture, and food animal practice appear to be excellent because of perceived increased need in these areas. Positions in small animal specialties will be competitive. Opportunities in farm animal specialties will be better, since most such positions are located in remote, rural areas, where many veterinarians do not want to practice.

Despite the availability of additional jobs, competition among veterinarians is likely to be stiff. First-year enrollments in veterinary schools have increased, and the number of students in graduate-degree and board-certification programs has risen dramatically.