The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for vets will grow by 16% by 2029. But will Black people be able to join in this record growth? Here are the facts.
#1 Many low-income Black children don’t live near veterinary locations. The result is that the thought of becoming a veterinarian doesn’t even cross their minds.
#2 A lack of access to quality education is also a factor. The cost of veterinary school has risen, and this is another barrier.
#3 Racial discrimination in the field is high despite the low Black worker count. People want to be respected and celebrated where they work.
#4 For more Black people to join veterinary medicine, there must be a multifaceted push to increase representation. More HBCUs could create veterinary programs. More government grants and scholarships could be created. It will take time, but more Black people will join the veterinary ranks this way.
While it's true that the veterinary industry is expected to grow in the next few years, the opportunities for Black people are less clear. We deserve to reap the benefits of this expanding career field and it will take us all advocating for better education to make that happen.