Diversity will be key in filling veterinary care gap: Banfield

An estimated 75 million U.S. pets may lack access to important veterinary care by 2030 if the current veterinarian shortage isn’t filled, a new study shows.

Banfield Pet Hospital conducted the study, which also pointed out a significant lack of diversity in the veterinary profession. Government statistics show the field is 90% white. As the gap in care is filled, Banfield is one of several veterinary organizations that have committed to creating a more diverse profession.

For Banfield, this means ensuring at least 30% of its veterinarian and paraprofessional workforce is Black, Indigenous and people of color by 2030. Banfield is also working with parent company Mars, as well as Royal Canin and Tuskegee University to launch a financial assistance program for veterinary students at the historically Black university.

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation also recently announced a partnership benefiting Tuskegee students. The AVMF and Hill’s Pet Nutrition in August announced a $45,000 endowment from Hill’s for a scholarship program at the university.

Purdue University, meanwhile, has launched its own diversity initiative. The “League of VetaHumanz” highlights role models in the veterinary industry as superheroes, in conjunction with 18 member institutions across the country. The goal of the organization is to support underserved youth who want to pursue veterinary careers.