How Many Veterinary Clinics Are There in the United States?
There are approximately 32,000 veterinary clinics in the United States, including about 26,000 small-animal practices and 6,000 mixed or large-animal clinics. This number has grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting increased pet ownership and demand for veterinary services.
How Many Veterinary Clinics Are There in the United States?
The most commonly cited figure from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and industry reports is that there are roughly 32,000 veterinary clinics in the United States. This number includes all types of facilities—small-animal practices, mixed-animal practices, large-animal clinics, equine practices, and specialty hospitals. The count has been relatively stable in recent years, though the mix has shifted toward small-animal and corporate-owned clinics.
| Type of Facility | Estimated Number in the US | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Small-animal (dogs, cats, pocket pets) | ~26,000 | 81% |
| Mixed-animal (small + large) | ~4,000 | 12.5% |
| Large-animal (livestock, horses) | ~1,500 | 4.7% |
| Equine-only | ~500 | 1.6% |
| Specialty/emergency/referral hospitals | ~200 | 0.6% |
These numbers come from AVMA surveys and market research by firms like Packaged Facts and Statista. The count of veterinary clinics is distinct from the number of veterinarians (see below) because many clinics employ multiple vets. In the Bay Area, including Berkeley, Oakland, and Richmond, the density is higher than the national average, with dozens of clinics serving a pet-loving population.
Demand for Veterinarians in the United States: Is It Growing?
Yes, demand for veterinarians is growing, and the US is facing a projected shortage of 15,000 veterinarians by 2030, according to the AVMA. This is driven by rising pet ownership, an aging veterinary workforce, and increased complexity of care. At the same time, burnout and financial stress are causing some vets to leave the field early.
| Factor | Impact on Demand | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Pet ownership increase | More pets = more visits | Up 10% since 2020 |
| Veterinarian retirement age | Average retirement age is 65 | Many vets retiring earlier (60–62) |
| Veterinary school graduates | ~3,500 new vets per year | Not enough to replace retirees |
| Burnout/quitting rate | ~20% of vets consider leaving within 5 years | Rising, especially in emergency/corporate settings |
| Average salary (veterinary doctor, USA) | $120,000–$150,000 (varies by region) | Moderate growth, but student debt high |
The job outlook remains strong, especially for those willing to work in rural areas or specialty fields like surgery, dentistry, and behavioral medicine. At Campus Veterinary Clinic in Berkeley, we've seen steady demand for our services and have maintained a dedicated team for over 50 years.
US Veterinary Clinic Market Size and Growth Trends
The US veterinary services market is a $50+ billion industry and has grown at an average rate of 5–7% per year over the last decade. This includes revenue from clinics, hospitals, labs, and mobile practices. Growth is fueled by humanization of pets, advances in medical technology, and pet insurance adoption.
| Market Segment | Estimated Annual Revenue (USD) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Small-animal practices | $35–40 billion | 6–8% |
| Large-animal practices | $5–7 billion | 2–3% |
| Emergency/specialty hospitals | $3–5 billion | 8–10% |
| Mobile/vet telemedicine | $1–2 billion | 15–20% |
Industry reports from Packaged Facts and the AVMA confirm these trends. The market is expected to reach $70 billion by 2033. In Berkeley and the surrounding East Bay, the market is particularly strong due to high pet ownership rates and a community that values comprehensive care.
Notable Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals in the US
While there is no official ranking of the "best" veterinary clinics, several facilities are widely recognized for their size, specialization, or reputation. These are often referral hospitals or corporate chains. The table below lists notable examples, but remember that many excellent independent clinics—like ours in Berkeley—serve their communities with personalized care.
| Name / Type | Location | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| BluePearl Pet Hospital (corporate chain) | Multiple states | Nationwide network, emergency & specialty care |
| IVC Evidensia (corporate chain) | Multiple states | Large corporate group, primary & emergency care |
| Mars Veterinary Health (corporate chain) | Multiple states | Owns Banfield, VCA, and other chains |
| National Veterinary Associates (NVA) (corporate chain) | Multiple states | One of the largest private equity-backed groups |
| University teaching hospitals (e.g., UC Davis, Cornell) | Various | Advanced specialty care, research, and training |
These represent a fraction of the 32,000 clinics. Most pets receive care at local independent clinics like Campus Veterinary Clinic, which has served Berkeley since 1969.
Directions to our animal hospital in Berkeley from UC Berkeley School of Education
Start at UC Berkeley School of Education and head to Campus Veterinary Clinic at 1807 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94709.
How Many Veterinarians Practice in the United States?
As of 2025, there are approximately 120,000 veterinarians actively practicing in the United States, according to the AVMA. This number has grown slowly over the past decade, but not fast enough to keep pace with demand. About 80% work in private clinical practice, with the rest in academia, government, industry, or research.
| Practice Setting | Number of Veterinarians | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Private clinical practice (small animal) | ~80,000 | 67% |
| Private clinical practice (mixed/large animal) | ~16,000 | 13% |
| Government/regulatory (USDA, FDA, etc.) | ~8,000 | 7% |
| Academia/research | ~6,000 | 5% |
| Industry (pharma, food safety) | ~5,000 | 4% |
| Other (military, public health) | ~5,000 | 4% |
This means there are roughly 2.7 veterinarians per clinic, though many clinics have more. In the Berkeley area, we're fortunate to have a strong veterinary community, including our team at Campus Veterinary Clinic.
Types of Veterinary Facilities Across the United States
Veterinary facilities in the US range from small mobile practices to large referral hospitals. Understanding the types helps pet owners choose the right level of care. The main categories are:
| Type | Description | Typical Services |
|---|---|---|
| General practice clinic | Most common; sees dogs, cats, and small pets | Wellness exams, vaccines, basic surgery, dental |
| Emergency/critical care hospital | Open 24/7 for urgent cases | Trauma, poisoning, after-hours care |
| Specialty referral hospital | Advanced procedures (orthopedics, neurology, oncology) | Complex surgery, imaging, specialist consults |
| Mobile/veterinary house call practice | Travels to owner's home | Euthanasia, hospice, routine care for anxious pets |
| Low-cost/community clinic | Nonprofit or subsidized | Vaccines, spay/neuter, basic wellness |
| Corporate chain (e.g., Banfield, VCA) | Multi-location, often inside pet stores | Convenient hours, wellness plans |
At Campus Veterinary Clinic in Berkeley, we are a general practice clinic with a focus on small animals—dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats. We also offer behavioral medicine and compassionate support for end-of-life care.
Independent vs. Corporate-Owned Veterinary Clinics in the US
Ownership structure affects everything from pricing to the level of personalized care. According to recent industry data, about 33% of US veterinary clinics are now owned by private equity or corporate groups (like Mars Veterinary Health, NVA, IVC Evidensia, or BluePearl). The remaining 67% are independently owned—often by a single veterinarian or a small partnership.
| Factor | Independent Clinic | Corporate-Owned Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-making | Local owner sets protocols | Corporate policies may override |
| Pricing | Often more flexible, negotiable | Standardized, sometimes higher |
| Continuity of care | Same vets see your pet | Higher turnover possible |
| Services offered | Tailored to community needs | Standardized menu |
| After-hours availability | May be limited | Often 24/7 at some locations |
If you prefer a locally owned practice with a long history in the community, Campus Veterinary Clinic has been independently serving Berkeley since 1969. We accept all major credit cards, CareCredit, and offer a free first exam for new clients (terms apply).
For details on services and visits, see the main page about animal hospital berkeley.
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Also asked as
- How many vet clinics are in the USA?
- Total number of veterinary practices in the United States
- How many animal hospitals are there in the US?
Frequently asked questions
How many veterinary schools are there in the USA?
There are 33 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, according to the AVMA. These schools graduate approximately 3,500 new veterinarians each year. The number has remained stable, though some new programs are being developed to address the veterinarian shortage.
What is the big 4 in veterinary medicine?
The 'Big 4' typically refers to the four most prestigious or well-known veterinary schools in the US: Cornell University, University of California, Davis, Colorado State University, and University of Pennsylvania. However, this is an informal designation and many other schools offer excellent programs.
Which is harder, MD or DVM?
Both paths are academically rigorous, but they differ in focus. Veterinary school (DVM) is often considered harder to get into due to fewer seats (only 33 schools vs. over 150 MD programs) and the need for diverse animal experience. The curriculum is also broad, covering multiple species. However, medical school (MD) is longer and has more intense residency requirements.
Is the demand for veterinarians increasing or decreasing?
Demand is increasing. The AVMA projects a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians by 2030 due to rising pet ownership, an aging workforce, and high burnout rates. This means job prospects are excellent, especially in rural areas and specialty fields.
Why are so many veterinarians quitting?
Veterinarians cite burnout, high student debt (averaging $150,000–$200,000), emotional toll of euthanasia, and challenging clients as top reasons for leaving the field. Corporate-owned clinics sometimes add pressure to meet revenue targets. Many vets leave within 5–10 years of graduation.