Veterinarian Facts: Key Stats, Trends, and Insights in 2025
- CoVet
- Jul 6
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The veterinary industry is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting demands in animal care, a rising tide of pet ownership, and the growing influence of technology—especially artificial intelligence. Whether you're a solo DVM managing a small-town clinic or a multi-location hospital operator, understanding the latest veterinarian facts can help you navigate 2025 and beyond with clarity.
From industry valuation and salary benchmarks to burnout challenges and the growing role of locum veterinarians, this article breaks down the data that matters. We’ll also spotlight how AI is transforming workflows and improving care quality in veterinary medicine.
Key stats on the veterinary industry: A snapshot
From rising revenues to workforce challenges, these data points reveal what’s really happening in veterinary medicine in 2025—and why it matters for your practice.
Veterinary industry worth
The global veterinary services market is projected to range between $127 billion and $138.98 billion in 2025, depending on the scope of services included in each forecast, with growth rates between ~5.9% and 7.4%
North America remains the top regional market, projected to grow by over 6% annually, while Asia-Pacific leads global expansion
U.S. household veterinary spending has grown about 2.9% per year since 1980, reflecting ongoing commitment to pet health—even through economic ups and downs
Veterinary earnings
The average U.S. veterinarian earns approximately $136,000 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Veterinarians in specialty roles (i.e., dermatologists, surgeons) can earn well over $200,000, depending on certification and geography
Clinic owners can potentially see higher returns, with some achieving payouts of up to $400,000 per $1 million in revenue, depending on specialty services, operational costs, and market region
88% of veterinary professionals cite student debt as their primary financial stressor
Veterinary burnout and shortage concerns
Up to 50% of veterinarians report emotional exhaustion or burnout
Burnout is most acute among younger vets: early-career professionals under 35 report significantly higher emotional exhaustion than older counterparts
In the U.S., more than 25% of vets quit each year, with projected shortfalls of around 15,000 veterinarians by 2030
Long-term projections estimate a persistent deficit of 14,000–24,000 vets by 2030–2032
Drivers include a wave of retirements (39% of vets over age 55), excessive debt (> $160,000 for many graduates), and high stress from client expectations and long hours
Understanding veterinary practices and clinics
Veterinary clinics today operate with increasing complexity—balancing animal care, client communication, staffing, and now, tech integration.
Whether you’re a solo DVM or managing 20+ locations, understanding how clinic models and roles are evolving is essential for delivering consistent, high-quality care.
1. Veterinary practice and clinic dynamics
Not all animal healthcare settings are created equal. Here’s how the structure typically breaks down:
Veterinary practices are businesses owned and operated by veterinarians (DVMs). These may include one or more veterinary clinics or hospitals under the umbrella.
Veterinary clinics usually offer preventive care, outpatient exams, minor treatments, and diagnostics. They often run with a lean team including a Practice Manager (PM), Veterinary Technicians (RVT/CVT/LVT), and Veterinary Assistants (VAs).
Veterinary hospitals offer more advanced and emergency care. You’ll often find specialized roles like Animal Care Attendants (ACAs), Client Care Specialists (CCS) at the front desk, and even in-house surgical or diagnostic teams.
Veterinary schools focus on research and training, often working in tandem with large animal hospitals and offering referral services.
Practice size trends:
According to the AVMA, about 75-85% of veterinary facilities in the U.S. are small, independently owned practices, while corporate-owned or multi-location networks are steadily expanding, representing approximately 25–30% of all clinics as of 2025.
Why it matters:
Understanding these structural differences helps practices define efficient workflows, staffing needs, and growth strategies.
💡 Pro tip: Efficient veterinary record keeping is crucial here, especially for multi-location practices aiming for consistency across sites.
2. The role of Locum veterinarians
Locum veterinarians—also known as relief vets—are becoming a key part of how modern practices stay resilient and flexible.
What are locum vets?
These are licensed veterinarians who temporarily fill in for full-time staff. Think vacation coverage, sick leave, maternity leave, or even overflow support during seasonal spikes.
Why they matter:
Work-life balance: Many locum vets enjoy greater control over their schedule and work environments, contributing to lower burnout rates compared to full-timers.
Pay scale: Depending on region and specialty, locum vets in the U.S. can earn $65–$100/hour or more. In urban areas with staff shortages, rates may exceed $150/hour.
Availability trends: The rise of gig-style veterinary staffing platforms (e.g., Roo, VetIQ, Tempus) means locum availability is increasing—especially in high-density pet care markets.
For solo practitioners, locums can be a lifeline. For multi-location practices, they’re a scalable staffing solution to handle both growth and turnover.
AI adoption in veterinary medicine
As technology reshapes healthcare, veterinary medicine is no exception. AI tools are increasingly integrated into clinics and hospitals, enhancing diagnostics, streamlining administrative tasks, and improving animal care outcomes.
AI adoption rates in veterinary clinics
According to a 2024 survey of nearly 3,968 veterinary professionals, 39.2% report regular use of AI in their practice, indicating a significant and growing trend in AI adoption across the industry
The survey revealed a positive outlook toward AI adoption. Those actively using AI tools reported higher levels of optimism about its integration
Common AI tools in veterinary practice
AI-powered diagnostic tools are increasingly used for imaging analysis, including radiographs and ultrasounds, to assist in diagnosing conditions like tumors or fractures
AI scribes and copilots like CoVet are employed to transcribe veterinary notes in real-time, improving documentation efficiency—an important consideration when evaluating scribe pricing and alternatives
Administrative AI tools help with scheduling, billing, and client communication, streamlining practice operations
Patient monitoring systems utilize AI to track vital signs and behavior, alerting veterinarians to early signs of illness or distress
💡 Pro tip: By optimizing your veterinary dictation software, you can streamline workflows and improve documentation accuracy. With just a tap to record, you can automatically populate SOAP notes across different cases and species.
The future of veterinary roles: What’s changing in 2025 and beyond?
Building on the growing adoption of AI and the changing landscape of veterinary practices, the industry is evolving rapidly—shaped by technological advances, shifting client expectations, and workforce challenges such as burnout and talent shortages.
Understanding how veterinary roles are transforming in response to these factors is crucial for practices aiming to stay ahead, attract top talent, and deliver improved animal care.
Emerging roles and responsibilities
Veterinary roles are becoming more specialized and tech-focused. AI and automation are reshaping daily tasks, leading to the rise of new positions such as:
Veterinary AI specialists who manage and optimize AI tools for diagnostics and patient monitoring.
Telemedicine coordinators handle remote consultations and virtual care.
Data analysts support clinical decision-making through advanced analytics.
Enhanced veterinary technicians are taking on expanded responsibilities with AI assistance, such as performing initial diagnostics and monitoring.
Traditional roles like Veterinary Assistants (VA) and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) are also evolving. They increasingly integrate AI tools to streamline workflows and improve accuracy, requiring continuous upskilling.
How practices are adapting to industry changes
Veterinary practices, whether solo or multi-location, are adopting innovative strategies to navigate operational complexities:
Leveraging AI-powered tools like CoVet, an intelligent copilot and scribe that automates clinical documentation, helping veterinarians save time and maintain accuracy across multiple locations.
Implementing remote training and professional development to upskill staff on new technologies.
Embracing flexible staffing models, including the expanded use of locum veterinarians and remote consultants.
Using data-driven insights to optimize patient care protocols and improve clinic efficiency.
For those looking to improve clinical documentation, our tips for SOAP writing offer actionable guidance to enhance clarity and compliance.
The future of veterinary care: Navigating trends and challenges in 2025
As the veterinary industry continues to evolve, staying informed is essential for every practice. Understanding veterinarian earnings, burnout risks, and the increasing role of AI equips clinics to make strategic decisions that improve both animal care and team wellbeing.
Whether managing a solo practice or a large multi-location hospital, embracing these insights will position your team for success today and in the years ahead. Plus, integrating AI-powered tools like CoVet, which streamlines clinical documentation through intelligent scribing and workflow management, can further enhance efficiency and allow veterinarians to focus more on patient care.
Frequently asked questions about veterinarian facts
What are some funny veterinarian facts?
Did you know that cows have best friends and get stressed when separated? Or that goats have rectangular pupils, which give them a wide field of vision? Another fun fact: some vets use veterinary dictation software to capture notes quickly, but they sometimes get funny transcriptions when animals “talk back” with unexpected noises during exams!
What are veterinarian facts for students?
Veterinary students should focus on both clinical skills and accurate patient documentation.
Accurate records, including multi-pet vet records, help track patient history and improve treatment outcomes. It’s also important to understand how technology, like digital records and AI tools, is changing the profession. Being aware of challenges like burnout and the need for specialization can help students prepare for a successful veterinary career.
