Vets

As veterinary medicine advances, demand for specialists in small animal internal medicine and oncology continues to grow. Pet owners increasingly expect access to advanced diagnostics and treatment options once reserved for human healthcare. According to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), the number of board-certified veterinary internists and oncologists remains far below demand, creating one of the toughest recruiting challenges in the profession. For veterinary recruiters and employers, attracting these highly trained specialists requires competitive compensation, career growth opportunities, and intentional strategies to stand out in a limited talent pool.

Veterinary medicine has made progress in many areas — technology adoption, corporate expansion, and patient care — but diversity remains one of its greatest challenges. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 85% of U.S. veterinarians identify as White, making it one of the least racially diverse health professions. For employers and recruiters, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just about optics. It is about building stronger teams, improving patient care, and ensuring practices reflect the communities they serve.

Emergency and urgent care veterinary practices are among the hardest segments to staff. The unpredictable hours, high caseload intensity, and emotional demands make these roles less attractive to many clinicians. Yet demand is soaring: according to VetSuccess, emergency visits rose by 15% between 2020 and 2024, driven by pet ownership growth and limited access to primary care appointments. For veterinary recruiters, this segment requires specialized strategies to connect the right candidates with employers while addressing burnout, compensation, and lifestyle balance.

Compensation is one of the most decisive factors in veterinary recruiting. In a tight labor market where candidates hold significant leverage, practices must offer more than just “competitive pay.” Salary models, production bonuses, benefits, and even creative perks shape how employers attract and retain veterinarians. According to VIN Foundation, the average new DVM graduate enters practice with over $150,000 in student debt, making compensation transparency more critical than ever. For veterinary recruiters, understanding salary benchmarks and compensation trends is essential to advising both employers and candidates in 2025 and beyond.

Veterinary recruiting has never been more dynamic — or more challenging. As 2025 unfolds, veterinary practices across the United States are experiencing shifting market forces: increasing demand for care, changing workforce demographics, rising student debt, and evolving candidate expectations. These pressures shape how veterinary recruiters, animal hospitals, and corporate groups attract, hire, and retain top talent. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the U.S. faces a shortage of nearly 15,000 veterinarians by 2030, largely due to population growth, increasing pet ownership, and a limited pipeline of graduates.

Veterinary How to Attract Top Veterinary Talent in the U.S. and Canada The shortage of veterinary professionals in the U.S. and Canada means employers need to stand out more than ever. Attracting top talent requires more than just competitive pay—it’s about creating an environment where veterinarians can thrive personally and professionally. 1. Compensation Packages That […]

Veterinary Navigating a Career in Veterinary Medicine: A Guide for Job Seekers Veterinary medicine is a calling for many, combining a love for animals with the chance to make a difference. However, navigating this career path in the U.S. and Canada requires careful planning. 1. Understand Your Career Options Veterinary careers go beyond small animal […]

Veterinary The Impact of Technology on Veterinary Practices Technology is transforming veterinary care, enabling clinics to provide better patient outcomes and improve operational efficiency. 1. The Rise of Telemedicine Telemedicine grew during the pandemic and remains a crucial tool in veterinary care. It allows clinics in remote areas to consult specialists and improves client access […]

Veterinary Veterinary Industry: Recruiting Trends and Insights The veterinary industry in North America faces a growing demand for skilled professionals, driven by increased pet ownership and advancements in animal care. 1. Rising Demand for Veterinarians The U.S. has over 113,394 veterinarians, while Canada has approximately 16,313. The veterinary profession is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade, […]

Veterinary Work-Life Balance for Veterinarians: Combating Burnout Burnout is a prevalent issue in veterinary medicine, with long hours and emotional strain taking their toll on professionals. 1. Set Boundaries Veterinarians should set clear boundaries for personal time. This could include: Reducing after-hours calls by hiring backup staff. Scheduling protected time-off that isn’t interrupted by emergencies. 2. Utilize […]