Did you know? Veterinary trends and fun facts

Whether you graduated one year, 15 years or even 30 years ago, a lot has changed in the field of veterinary medicine. From federal funding for research studies to working along side human medical practitioners, the fact is veterinary medicine continues to evolve and encompass more ground than ever before.

Take a few minutes out of your busy day to read and compare current trends and digest some silly and fun facts about the animals you love and treat each day.

Veterinarians by the numbers

In 2017, females (66,731) outnumber males (43,662) working as veterinarians in the U.S. This is a sharp contrast to 1980, when the percentage of women veterinarians reached 9.5%.

The numbers are divided between types of private clinical practices. The percentage of vets working with food animals averages 76% male to 23% female. Equine practices are split at 47% male to 53% female. Predominately companion animal practices are nearly even at 50.6% male and 49.4% female.

Of the 71,393 veterinarians currently working in private practice, 41.6% are male and 58.4% are female. The percentage of female veterinarians employed in the public or corporate segment also is higher at 55.7%, versus 44.3% of males.

There are only 30 colleges of veterinary medicine (CVMs) in the U.S., as compared to 179 medical schools, 65 dental schools and 237 law schools!

About 3,000 students graduate each year from U.S. CVMs. 

Outside of companion animal practice, the largest employer of veterinarians in the United States is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service .  

The 2018 World Veterinary Day Award theme focuses on the role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve livelihoods, food security and safety.  Now, more than ever, it’s important to pursue ways to share your knowledge with people around the world. With the quality measures veterinarians have established in the U.S., as well as your role in preventing and controlling animal diseases, your contributions are vital to the health and welfare of others across the globe.

Companion animal fun facts:

A group of pugs is called a grumble.

Over 75% of pet owners buy Christmas presents for their pets.

70% of pet owners sign their pet’s name on greeting cards.

Sir Isaac Newton invented the cat flap because his cat, Spithead, kept pushing the door open when he was conducting experiments that needed darkness.

Cats have contributed to the extinction of more than 33 bird species worldwide.

Dogs in the U.S.A. produce over 10 million tons of feces per year.

Companion animal ownership statistics

A lot has changed in diagnostics and instrumentation. Name that veterinary instrument and check out this quiz by The American Veterinary Medical History Society.

Covetrus North America is committed to helping veterinary professionals succeed by offering educational opportunities, practice management tools and high-quality products.

Contact your Covetrus representative for more information at 855.724.3461

Sources:

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-veterinarians.aspx

https://atwork.avma.org/timeline/#.WtYkTtPwZBw

http://aavmc.org/Media-FAQs.aspx

http://shortwhitecoats.com/2015/a-map-of-all-medical-schools-in-the-united-states

https://www.asdanet.org/index/get-into-dental-school/before-you-apply/u-s-dental-schools

https://magoosh.com/lsat/2016/many-law-schools-united-states/

https://www.lifelearn.com/2016/12/08/111-did-you-know-facts-for-veterinary-practices-free-social-posts/

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx

https://www.avmhs.org/name-that-instrument

http://www.worldvet.org/uploads/docs/wvd_2018_announcement_en.pdf