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

California is struggling with a shortage of veterinarians, worsened by high turnover rates and an influx of pet ownership due to the pandemic. Students must confront significant educational expenses and alarming suicide rates among their future colleagues, which are reported to be four times higher than the general populace. A recent SPCA survey highlighted a critical lack of veterinary staff in shelters, with over 344,000 animals lacking proper care. Many shelters report unfilled veterinarian and technician positions, signaling urgent needs in animal healthcare.
In California, the shortage of veterinarians is exacerbated by high turnover and rising pet ownership following the pandemic, leaving many animals without adequate care.
Veterinary students like Alexandra Ponkey face challenges of high education costs, compounded by the alarming suicide rates among veterinarians, which are significantly higher than the general population.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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