Many Midwestern communities suffer from veterinary clinic shortages
Veterinary experts say Midwestern states are suffering from shortages of veterinary professionals in their rural communities.
On a national level, according to the US Department of Agriculture, over 500 counties in 44 states had vet shortages in 2019, many of them rural areas. And beyond that, independent clinics are starting to go away, instead turning into corporate clinics with satellite offices. Many rural vets report having to drive multiple hours one way just to get to a client.
While Waupun Veterinary Service is not considered a small practice, the clinic s staff of 10 veterinarians often travel an hour or more to service clients in outlying areas.