Shortage of Equine Practitioners

Responding to the growing welfare issue of a shortage of equine practitioners to provide veterinary care to horses and other equids in many areas of the United States, the AAEP formed the Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability in 2022 to develop strategies to retain and recruit more veterinarians to equine practice.

Led by subcommittees comprised of AAEP-member volunteers, the Commission focused its work on five key areas: compensation, strategies for effective emergency coverage, veterinary practice culture, internships, and supporting the growth and development of the equine veterinary student.

While developing solutions to the five key factors affecting sustainability of equine practice, the Commission and its subcommittees carefully considered the needs of one- and two-doctor practices. Approximately 50% of AAEP members operate practices of this size. Outreach to horse owners and equine industry partners created expanded awareness and yielded additional perspective.

The Commission and its subcommittees completed their important work in 2024 after creating a comprehensive series of resources in each of the five focus areas. These resources are available through the links below. Transforming equine practice was one of the largest initiatives ever undertaken by the AAEP and testament to the spirit of collaboration among equine veterinarians and those who help support them in all facets of practice to change the numbers.

Why a Shortage of Equine Veterinarians?

According to AAEP data, approximately 1.3% of new veterinary graduates enter equine practice directly each year, and another 4.5% pursue further training in equine internship positions. Within five years, however, 50% of all these veterinarians leave for small animal practice or quit veterinary medicine altogether.

The primary reasons are burnout due to the personal demands of the profession and personal struggle due to the lower starting salaries for equine practice when compared to companion animal practice. Many new veterinarians begin their career with more than $200,000 in student loan debt.