University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Dr. Laura Molgaard, says the growing demand for veterinary care is putting pressure on a limited workforce. In an interview with RRFN, Molgaard cited studies conducted by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.”What they found was that decades ago, actually starting in the 1980s, increased pet ownership and increased demand for services for those pets might have been one of the biggest drivers.” The competition for a limited workforce can make it harder to attract veterinarians for rural large animal practices. Veterinarians have what is called unlimited licensure. “That means that whether we train in school to aim towards small animal practice, food animal practice, equine practice, mixed animal practice, our license allows us to move across those sectors so if we have a shortage in one area then because of supply and demand, that will pull that limited pool of veterinarians to the area of greatest need.”
