Source: NAVEC
The North American Veterinary Ethics Council (NAVEC) argues that the Veterinary workforce shortage has become a major animal welfare crisis, leaving shelters and nonprofit clinics unable to hire enough veterinarians to provide essential care. According to the organization, staffing shortages contribute to delayed surgeries, untreated illnesses, overcrowding, slower adoptions, and preventable euthanasia. NAVEC cites data showing that 607,000 shelter animals were euthanized in the United States in 2024 and references surveys indicating many shelters cannot fill Veterinary positions or provide basic medical services.
The organization contends that existing workforce projections underestimate the shortage and presents its own analysis projecting a significantly larger deficit of veterinarians. NAVEC also points to a 2025 U.S. Department of Justice antitrust filing involving Veterinary accreditation, arguing it highlights concerns about barriers to entering the profession. Rather than lowering educational standards, NAVEC advocates reforms to accreditation, licensing, and pathways for internationally trained veterinarians to expand the workforce while maintaining quality patient care and improving animal welfare.
Read the full story HERE: https://navec.org/animals-running-out-of-time