Congress renews call to recruit and retain veterinarians in areas of need

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), after working with congressional offices and other advocacy work, worked to lead the reintroduction of the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act in the Senate and House. The legislation, reintroduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and John Larson (D-Conn.), would help underserved and rural areas recruit and retain veterinarians.

"Recruiting and retaining veterinarians through the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act is key to protecting our nation’s food supply, preserving animal welfare, and upholding public health," said Sandra Faeh, DVM, AVMA president, in an organizational release.¹ "Livestock and public health veterinarians are essential to strengthening the nation’s animal health infrastructure and agricultural economy. We urge Congress to address this increasingly important issue by passing the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act."

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According to the release, the legislation, which is strongly endorsed by the AVMA, would¹:

• Align tax code with human and other healthcare professions’ award funds.
• Expand the reach and maximize the allocated funding of the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). This will help attract veterinarians in US Department of Agriculture-designated veterinary shortage areas by assisting with student debt.
• End federal taxation on VMLRP awards, giving more veterinarians the chance to participate in a program that offers up to $120,000 over 3 years for student loan repayment in exchange for service in one of the designated shortage areas.

"Veterinarians are vital to the work of America's farmers and ranchers and the integrity of our food supply chain. Yet many areas of the country suffer from lack of access to their services," said Rep.Smith.¹ "This bipartisan bill would make commonsense tax relief available to veterinarians who choose to live and work in the communities which need their help to care for their livestock and protect the agriculture industry from pests and disease. I thank my colleagues for joining me in reintroducing it."

The USDA declared 243 rural veterinary shortage areas in 46 states in 2025, making it the highest number of shortage areas ever, compared to 237 rural veterinary shortage areas in 47 states the USDA declared in 2023.^1,2 The USDA has awarded 883 veterinarians with the VMLRP since 20210, with 2,197 applications received to participate in the program since it was created.

"In nearly every state in the country, there are shortages for veterinarians, especially in rural areas," expressed Sen. Smith.¹ “This record shortage causes serious harm to the health of animals and the public. Providing additional funding to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and updating the tax code to better serve veterinarians will allow more qualified vets to do vital work with our animals in underserved communities."

References

1. AVMA echoes Congress’ renewed call to recruit and retain veterinarians in high-need areas. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 27, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-echoes-congress-renewed-call-recruit-and-retain-veterinarians-high-need
2. AVMA reignites congressional efforts to address highest level of rural veterinary shortages. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. September 19, 2023. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-reignites-congressional-efforts-address-highest-level-rural-veterinary