In the cattle industry, we are all too familiar with animals that are sick, injured or just not thriving. Many times, we are able to tend to these animals with our own bag of tricks. Cattle owners are notorious for being self-sufficient and would rather do things themselves than asking for help. However, there are times when professional help is needed. Veterinarians are a source of knowledge and skills needed to remedy these unhealthy animals.
Veterinarians are not only needed when we have sick animals. Vets also aid with reproduction synchronization protocols, health certificates and livestock travel permits, education for their community and so much more. If you haven’t thanked your local veterinarian lately for their hard work, it’s probably about time to do just that. The fact of the matter is: Veterinarians who work with livestock are few in number, with even fewer replacements coming out of vet school (roughly 5% of graduates). Having previously worked in a couple of veterinary offices in Idaho, I know firsthand what a veterinarian's day looks like. It is not an easy task taking care of animals bigger than you and unable to communicate what their ailment is or capable of fully understanding that you are trying to help them. This hard work may deter many, but it really is a great field of opportunity.
This shortage is prominent in the West and states are addressing the need for more veterinarians. The USDA has a veterinary medicine loan repayment program where a veterinarian can have a good portion of their loan paid off if they agree to work in an area identified as a “veterinarian shortage area.” Of the Western states, most have around six to eight of these areas in each state.
So how can you support veterinarians today? If you have called a vet out to your ranch, please be prepared. Have the animals ready and in a corral when the vet arrives instead of waiting to gather them until they arrive. Be patient if they are behind schedule. (The previous patient may have been uncooperative.) Have all pertinent information about the situation written down and available to discuss with your vet. These suggestions will make your vet’s visit much more efficient.
April 26, 2025, is World Veterinary Day. Maybe take a minute that day to send your local veterinarian a supportive text or email. I’m sure they would appreciate it.
