Virginia Latest State To Tackle Large Animal Veterinarian Shortage

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed legislation establishing a grant program to address the state’s shortage of large animal veterinarians in underserved areas. Beginning by July 1, 2026, the initiative will award $110,000 grants to up to four veterinarians annually who commit to working in designated shortage regions. Virginia joins over two dozen states offering similar incentives, responding to a nationwide decline in food animal veterinarians—now just 3.4% of the U.S. Veterinary workforce, down nearly 90% since 1945.

Contributing factors include high education costs, urbanization, and challenging livestock work. While the federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) offers up to $40,000 annually for three years of rural service, demand exceeds available funding, and a temporary freeze on new grants adds uncertainty. States like Nebraska and Kansas have launched their own successful programs, offering tuition coverage or loan forgiveness in exchange for rural Veterinary service. Virginia’s move aims to bolster access to critical Veterinary care.