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The supply of equine veterinarians is diminishing rapidly. How can horse owners help?

Posted by Emma Read, DVM, MVSc, Dipl. ACVS | Sep 15, 2022 | Article, Equine Care Professions, Horse Care, Vet and Professional, Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Students, Veterinary Technicians, Welfare and Industry, Working With a Veterinarian

At this moment many veterinary practices have too few practitioners to serve their clients, leaving horses in need of health care and equine veterinarians stretched beyond their capabilities. Many of you have already been affected, either by waiting longer for an appointment or not having access to after-hours services.

In 2021 the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that of 3,311 U.S. veterinary school graduates, 46 (1.4%) entered equine private practice at graduation and another 97 (2.9%) entered equine internships. The survey revealed that within five years, 50% of these young veterinarians leave the field. That isn’t a typo; 50% really do leave equine veterinary medicine after five years for small animal practice or quit veterinary medicine altogether.

Driving this exodus are the personal demands and lower starting salaries of equine practice. In 2022 the mean reported starting salary for small animal practitioners was $110,000, plus a four-day work week and no emergency duty. A new equine practitioner reportedly makes a third to a half less, for a longer work week with on-call hours. Many new graduates carry more than $200,000 in student loan debt, making a job with low pay often unthinkable, no matter how much they desire to become a horse doctor.

Emergency coverage is another incredibly challenging aspect of equine practice. Unlike in small animal medicine, few emergency clinics exist. It is each equine veterinarian’s responsibility to ensure emergency care for clients. For many practitioners, their job is 24/7. This takes its toll on the veterinarian’s mental and physical health and their families. Many choose to leave the job for a healthier lifestyle.

The solution is complex and will require a collaborative effort unprecedented in equine circles. The American Association of Equine Practitioners is working within the profession to transform compensation, emergency coverage, and practice culture.

Asking for help from our clients is not a comfortable position for me and many horse doctors, but we know you play a huge role in the much-needed transformation of equine practice. We can’t do it without you. Let’s work together for the horse.

Emma Read, DVM, MVSc, Dipl. ACVS, is the 2022 president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the associate dean of professional programs and a clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus.

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