Veterinary students are in high demand despite huge school debt and alarming suicide rates

It’s a story heard across the U.S. – the veterinary shortage, the challenges our industry professionals face and the consequences of demand that exceeds capacity. We’re sharing this article by intern Anthony Solorzano who presents a balanced story on the needs for more veterinarians. References to veterinary technicians were absent, but he nicely captured the necessity of skills that are needed beyond the individual animal.

A veterinarian needs to care not only for the pets, but for the owners and for themselves.”

Source: Los Angeles Times, May 20, 2025. Link. Dean John Tegzes, MA, VMD, Dipl. ABVT, is quoted saying, “The pandemic really elevated a crisis that was probably brewing in the background for the last 20 to 40 years, but really accelerated when many new people adopted pets. The demand for veterinary services started to increase exponentially quickly in Southern California.”