North Dakota State Veterinarian Explains Shortage of Veterinarians May Be Due to Demanding Schedule

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota continues to experience a statewide shortage of veterinarians, from small animals to ones who specialize in livestock.

As college tuition goes up, the number of graduates from veterinary schools in the U.S. has been decreasing.

Students who graduate from veterinary school leave with a debt of over $200,000.

According to the State Veterinarian, fewer vets are willing to work the seven-day on-call schedule.

The shortage is causing farmers to travel farther and wait for a vet to see their animals.

“The best recommendation I can give to our smaller rural communities is to make sure to support those veterinarians. If you’re not supporting them on a regular basis they’re not going to be there when you need them,” said Ethan Andress, North Dakota State Veterinarian.

Andress says we may see a decline in the shortage, but the other concern is where new graduates may end up.