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Source: Acera Insurance

Canada is facing a significant veterinarian shortage that is adversely affecting horse owners. The shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where equine veterinarians are often unavailable. 

“Unfortunately, the shortage of equine veterinarians means some horse owners are self-diagnosing their animals,” says Mike King, Director for Equine Insurance and a Partner at Acera Insurance. “Even more concerning is that some owners are relying on social media or ‘Dr. Google’ to determine how to treat their animal.” 

A 2020 study found that the demand for veterinary services is outpacing capacity at clinics across the nation. Approximately 450 new veterinarians enter the workforce annually, but these new vets merely replace those retiring. As pet ownership increases towards 2030, the Canadian veterinary workforce needs to grow by 45 percent to meet demand. In 2019, one-third to one-half of veterinary practices were actively seeking additional veterinarians. 

“All insurers rely on owners to seek veterinary care when necessary,” says King. “But increasingly, when we ask whether the horse has been seen by a veterinarian for an annual exam that addresses dental health and parasite evaluation, the answer is no.” 

That answer is telling. Most horse owners who insure their horses are keen to provide the best care possible. But if an equine veterinarian isn’t available for routine care, larger and more serious issues may develop. 

Plus, it’s not just horses and horse owners who are struggling to get service. Veterinary services are also needed for the millions of cats, dogs, cows, and other livestock living across the country. 

Why Can’t Canada Just Train More Veterinarians? 

Training veterinarians is a lengthy and expensive process, constrained by limited capacity. A standard veterinary degree takes four years to complete, and generally follows completion of a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. Veterinary education at Canada’s five veterinary schools — located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island — is in high demand and the application process is very competitive. Over 2,500 applicants vie for less than 500 seats across the five institutions. Many qualified applicants are turned away, prompting some to seek education overseas, often incurring substantial debt. A Canadian degree can cost over $40,000 per year or $160,000 total while an overseas degree can easily be double that price. Regardless of their desire to become veterinarians, not every potential student can afford to rack up debt worth the price of a home, simply to enter their chosen field of work. 

Are There Solutions? 

Veterinary associations across Canada are aware of the challenges and are exploring solutions, such as increasing the number of registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and their responsibilities. Allowing RVTs to take on more tasks could alleviate pressure on veterinarians, particularly in emergency situations. For example, a tele-triage service in Alberta is designed to assess whether an after-hours call is an emergency and allows RVTs to handle non-urgent cases. 

Discussions are also underway about enhancing support for veterinary students and improving the integration of internationally trained veterinarians into the Canadian workforce. Many students interested in equine medicine are eager to enter the field, and retaining these individuals is crucial. Mentorship programs, financial incentives, and reduced on-call hours could help attract and retain future veterinarians. 

What Can Horse Owners Do? 

1. Develop a relationship with the veterinarian that services your area. Use the veterinarian that is available for routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, and annual check-ups so that if or when an emergency occurs, the horse is already a patient on file. 
2. Before acquiring a new horse, assess the availability of veterinarians in the area who will serve equine clients. This proactive approach is essential, especially in rural regions where access to equine care may be limited. In some cases, owners may need to travel significant distances to find a veterinarian who can provide necessary services. Understand that some services or emergency care may not be available in all areas or at all times.  
3. Improve your knowledge of equine care to prevent injury and disease, plus develop skills to treat injuries. Online courses with reputable schools, such as Equine Guelph, can help. 

As the demand for veterinary services continues to rise, coordinated efforts are needed to increase the number of trained professionals, improve retention strategies, and enhance support for both current and future veterinarians. Meanwhile, horse owners are encouraged to be well-informed about their local and regional veterinary resources, plus maintain good horse husbandry to help prevent illness and injury. 

Acera Insurance. Same great people, stronger than ever.

Main Photo: iStock/Urbancow