As a veterinary professional who has worked across various regions of the United States, I have witnessed a quietly growing crisis within the animal healthcare industry — a shortage of veterinarians that is affecting communities large and small. Not long ago, pet owners rarely worried about finding care in an emergency. Today, especially in South Carolina’s Upstate region, clinics are struggling to stay open due to staff shortages, forcing some emergency veterinary centers to temporarily close their doors. For families who consider their pets as cherished members of their households, this shortage carries very real and emotional consequences.
Recently, the Upstate Vet Emergency and Specialty Care center in Greenville had to shut down completely for a weekend due to insufficient staff. This left pet owners scrambling to find care, with many forced to drive over an hour to alternative clinics in Asheville or other cities. For veterinarians on the frontlines, this is an alarming situation. I received calls from distressed pet owners who were left without urgent care options. Some had no choice but to consider euthanasia simply because no doctor was available.
The reasons behind this shortage are multifaceted. Decades ago, Greenville’s veterinary practices were primarily privately owned, with strong local networks. Veterinarians knew one another, often shared staff in times of need, and supported each other through busy or emergency shifts. However, recent corporate acquisitions have changed the landscape. Large veterinary corporations have acquired many independent practices, resulting in a disconnect from local community networks and less collaboration between veterinarians. This shift has severely impacted how veterinary care is delivered and supported at a local level.
Working as a veterinarian is inherently demanding, especially in emergency medicine. Long, unpredictable hours, emotionally challenging cases, and the responsibility of comforting anxious pet owners all contribute to high levels of stress and burnout. The veterinary field experiences particularly high turnover in emergency care settings. Compounding this is the reluctance of many young veterinarians to work in rural or underserved areas due to perceived limited opportunities and lifestyle challenges. This trend is not unique to South Carolina; rural communities across states like Kansas, Wyoming, and Montana face similar shortages. In many cases, a single veterinarian may be responsible for hundreds of square miles, which strains resources and impacts care for both pets and livestock.
Education bottlenecks exacerbate the problem. The United States has only 33 accredited veterinary schools nationwide, and until recently, South Carolina had none. This forces aspiring veterinarians from the state to apply to out-of-state programs, often paying higher tuition and facing limited slots. Nationwide, around 500 to 1,000 qualified veterinary school applicants are denied admission annually simply because existing programs are full. This creates a significant gap between demand and supply of new veterinary professionals.
Yet, hope is on the horizon. Clemson University is leading an ambitious initiative to open South Carolina’s first accredited veterinary school — the Harvey S. Peeler School of Veterinary Medicine — set to welcome its first class in fall 2026. This new facility includes seven buildings, designed to provide comprehensive training across multiple veterinary disciplines. Students will have access to cutting-edge teaching and research facilities, including anatomy and surgery labs, dedicated spaces for equine and farm animal education, and a mobile ambulatory unit to serve remote rural areas.
The program is intentionally broad, reflecting the diverse nature of veterinary medicine today. Students will be trained not only in companion animal care but also in livestock management, food safety, regulatory medicine, and public health. This holistic approach aims to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths within animal health and beyond.
Reflecting on the history of veterinary education in South Carolina, it’s remarkable to see how far things have come. In the early 1900s, Clemson’s veterinary program operated out of a humble barn. Since then, the absence of a state veterinary school has meant many students leave South Carolina to study and ultimately settle elsewhere. Establishing an in-state program offers a real chance to retain talent and better serve underserved communities, particularly rural areas where access to veterinary care is most limited.
Veterinary medicine is often misunderstood as being “just about animals,” but the reality is far more nuanced. At its core, it is about people — the families, farmers, and communities connected through the care of their animals. I have often found that veterinarians become trusted confidants, counselors, and even pillars of emotional support. In Greenville, one elderly pet owner once told me, “I trust you more than my own family because you listen and care.” Though that might sound extraordinary, it highlights the unique bond veterinarians build within their communities.
This closeness also comes with a cost. Studies by the American Veterinary Medical Association show that veterinarians face higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression and burnout, compared to other healthcare professionals. To address this, we need more than just an increase in veterinary school graduates; improvements in working conditions, better resource allocation, and incentives for rural practice are equally vital. Some states, like Tennessee, have implemented loan forgiveness programs to encourage veterinarians to serve in rural areas for a certain period, with positive results. South Carolina is now exploring similar initiatives.
The establishment of the Harvey S. Peeler School of Veterinary Medicine is a pivotal moment for the state and the profession. Not only will it increase the number of veterinarians trained locally, but it also signals a renewed commitment to serving rural and underserved areas. Many students I have met express a strong desire to return home to care for farm animals and companion pets in their communities, rather than relocate to urban centers. This local dedication is critical to bridging the veterinary care gap.
The challenges ahead remain significant. Staffing shortages, occupational stress, and geographic disparities in veterinary services will not be resolved overnight. But with a new generation of passionate students and professionals entering the field, and with expanded educational resources, the future looks brighter.
Veterinary medicine is about much more than clinical care—it’s about nurturing the human-animal bond that enriches lives, sustains rural livelihoods, and strengthens communities. Whether it’s the family dog that provides companionship to a lonely senior or the dairy cow that supports a family farm, the health of animals is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of people.
As a veterinarian, I am heartened by the growing interest and investment in this vital profession. The road ahead is challenging, but the dedication of students, professionals, and institutions offers a hopeful path forward for South Carolina and the nation.