The Veterinary workforce shortage remains a chronic and increasingly acute challenge, particularly in rural and large-animal medicine. In 2025, USDA designated 243 rural Veterinary shortage areas across 46 states, the highest number on record. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects veterinarian employment will grow 9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3% across all occupations.
While demand for veterinarians continues to outpace overall workforce growth, national projections do not necessarily reflect the geographic and specialty-specific gaps facing the profession. After years of state-level legislative activity, two federal proposals are now taking different approaches to addressing the problem.
Two Approaches to Workforce Development
H.R. 10617, the VET CARE Act, would establish a USDA competitive grant program for high-school work-based learning programs in states experiencing Veterinary shortages. The initiative emphasizes rural communities and large-animal medicine, introducing students to Veterinary careers through partnerships involving schools, clinics, 4-H programs, and tribal organizations.
Its focus is building a longer-term pipeline of future professionals. S. 5526, the Agricultural Act of 2026, (also referred to as Farm Bill 2.0) is a comprehensive federal legislative package designed to reform and fund U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and rural programs through fiscal year 2031. This bill takes a more immediate approach to the Veterinary shortage by reauthorizing and supporting existing workforce initiatives, including the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP).
These programs help recruit veterinarians into designated shortage areas and support rural practices in expanding services. While national recognition is important, the proposed legislation focuses primarily on rural Veterinary deserts, not urban and suburban needs.
Political Outlook
The VET CARE Act faces an uphill battle. Introduced by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH), it has no cosponsors and remains in committee. Its prospects would improve if incorporated into broader agriculture legislation. The Agricultural Act has a stronger path, having cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee and reached the legislative calendar. However, partisan disagreements over SNAP provisions, House-Senate differences, and a crowded lame-duck schedule complicate passage.
Industry Implications
Neither proposal offers an immediate solution, but together they reflect growing federal recognition that Veterinary workforce shortages are real. The solution requires both recruitment and long-term investment, as well as recognition of urban and suburban care needs. For the industry, this creates an opportunity to advance workforce development as a priority extending beyond state legislatures to national policy.