State of the Profession
The veterinary profession in Indiana is navigating a challenging landscape marked by staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing concerns for health and wellness. In response, the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized the need for ongoing, real-world insights to better understand and address these issues. From 2022 to 2024, the IVMA conducted twelve quarterly surveys, engaging 132 respondents who represented a diverse range of veterinary practices across the state. Respondents were compensated with a $75 gift card in exchange for their responses. This ranged from single doctor practices to multi doctor corporate owned practices. This effort was made possible through the IVMA’s Partner Clinic Program, which brought together a network of veterinary professionals committed to identifying emerging issues, sharing practical experiences, and contributing key data to advance the profession in Indiana.
The Partner Clinic Program served as an essential feedback loop, providing continuous input on topics like veterinary wellness, recruitment and retention of staff, and the effective use of technology in practice. Most importantly, their contributions ensured that the information within the report reflected the real, day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by veterinary teams statewide, thereby guiding the IVMA and our members toward meaningful, targeted solutions.
Of all respondents who participated in these surveys, approximately 67% identified as female. Regarding professional roles, 67% were practice owners, 11% were associates, and the remaining 22% were either practice managers or managing DVMs. Respondents also spanned various age groups, with 33% aged 25–40, 53% aged 41–59, and 14% over 59 years old. Their input highlighted three interconnected challenges facing the veterinary profession: Staffing, Practice Efficiency and Cost, and Health and Wellness.
1. Staffing remains a critical issue, with clinics struggling to hire and retain qualified veterinarians. This shortage not only affects the quality of care but also leads to increased burnout and high turnover rates among existing staff.
2. Practice efficiency compounds these staffing issues. Rising operational expenses make it difficult for clinics to stay profitable, while clients find it harder to afford veterinary services. This financial pressure limits access to care and forces clinics to seek cost-effective solutions and practice more efficiently.
3. Health and wellness of veterinary professionals is the linchpin that ties these challenges together. High levels of stress and burnout undermine the resilience of the workforce, making it even harder to address staffing and financial issues effectively.
The report examined how the essential issues of staffing, practice efficiency, and wellness intersect to impact the sustainability of veterinary practices across Indiana. Drawing on survey data, the report highlighted the approaches and solutions shared by members who have navigated these challenges in their own practices. Rather than proposing fully developed solutions, the report presented practical, real-world responses that reflect the day-to-day realities of Indiana’s veterinary community.
The goal is to support members by sharing strategies that consider budget limitations, practice specific demands (such as mobile or rural clinics), and the unique challenges of operating in Indiana. At the end of each section, there was a checklist of adaptable ideas that align with the IVMA’s mission to promote, protect, and advance veterinary medicine and animal health. These ideas are intended as a flexible guide—practical actions to consider and adapt based on each clinic’s unique needs and circumstances.
Executive Summary
Staffing Shortages
Nearly seven in ten clinics struggle to hire veterinarians, a challenge compounded by the retention of existing team members. Factors range from competition for talent to inadequate workplace cultures and limited professional development opportunities. While competitive pay remains important, creating a supportive work environment has emerged as equally critical. Successful clinics leverage targeted approaches—such as mentorships, externships, and educational partnerships—to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
Practice Efficiency and Rising Costs
Clinics are caught between the need to invest in modern equipment and the reality of clients’ reduced ability to pay. Managing costs while maintaining quality care often requires creative streamlining, including the use of robust Practice Information Management Systems (PIMS), strategic fee adjustments, and the adoption of productivity metrics for both DVMs and support staff. Efficient internal communication, improved technology infrastructure, and proactive service expansions (e.g., online pharmacies, additional diagnostics) help clinics.
Health and Wellness Concerns
Emotional fatigue, burnout, and mental health struggles—including worryingly high rates of suicidal ideation—underscore the urgency of wellbeing initiatives. The emotional toll stems from financial stress, emotionally charged services like euthanasia, and persistent student debt. Clinics that prioritize staff wellness—offering flexible scheduling, recognition programs, financial counseling, and access to mental health resources—are better positioned to foster resilience, improve morale, and ultimately retain talented professionals. Collectively, these findings point to a strategic path forward: invest in people, embrace technology, and cultivate an environment that supports veterinary professionals both financially and emotionally. By focusing on sustainable staffing, operational efficiencies, and the health of the workforce, Indiana’s veterinary community can ensure enduring, high-quality care for animals and their owners – now and into the future.
You can read the full report at www.invma.org.