Veterinary Care Today: Access, Shortages, and Real-World Challenges

Veterinary medicine plays a critical role in protecting animal health, public safety, and agricultural stability. In recent years, however, veterinarians across Canada have faced growing constraints that affect how and when care can be delivered. From regulatory restrictions during disease outbreaks to staffing shortages in regional clinics, the profession is navigating complex operational realities. Drawing only from verified 2024–2025 reporting, this article examines two recent developments that highlight the evolving veterinary landscape.

Ostrich Health Investigation at Edgewood Farm

In early 2025, veterinary access became a focal issue at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. According to Global News, a privately hired veterinarian was authorized to examine just one sick ostrich on the property, despite broader concerns about the health of the flock. The farm remained under quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) following confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

While the veterinarian was permitted to visually assess the animal, the CFIA did not allow blood samples or diagnostic testing to be conducted by the private practitioner. The agency maintained that all testing and disease control measures had to be handled under federal authority due to the biosecurity risks associated with avian influenza.

This case underscores how veterinary expertise can be limited by regulatory frameworks during outbreak investigations. Although quarantine measures are designed to protect public and animal health, they can also restrict independent clinical assessments.

Real-World Veterinary Challenges and Their Impact

Growing Concerns in Southern Alberta

A separate but equally important issue emerged in southern Alberta, where a veterinarian in Lethbridge raised concerns about persistent staffing shortages in the region. In a 2025 Global News report, the veterinarian explained that the lack of available professionals has made it increasingly difficult for clinics to maintain service levels. The shortage affects not only appointment availability but also the workload of existing staff. Clinics often rely on limited personnel to manage a wide range of responsibilities, from routine check-ups to emergency care. According to the report, attracting and retaining veterinarians in southern Alberta has proven challenging, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas.

The veterinarian highlighted education and training as potential long-term solutions. Expanding local post-secondary programs related to veterinary and animal sciences could help build a regional talent pipeline and encourage graduates to remain in the area.

Key Players Driving the Global Veterinary Market

The global veterinary market includes several prominent companies that shape innovation, product portfolios, and competitive dynamics. These key players are widely recognized for their contributions to animal health products such as biopharmaceuticals, biologics, diagnostics, and nutritional solutions. 

Among the major names are Zoetis, a leading animal health company; Merck Animal Health, known for its broad therapeutic solutions; and Virbac, which offers a range of veterinary medicines. Phibro Animal Health and ADM Animal Nutrition are also significant contributors, focusing on feed additives and nutritional health products for both livestock and companion animals. Dechra has a strong presence in specialty veterinary pharmaceuticals, while Heska Corporation is noted for its diagnostic instruments and veterinary technologies. These companies, among other industry participants, compete and collaborate to meet rising global demand for animal health and welfare products.

Why These Veterinary Challenges Matter

Together, these two cases illustrate how veterinary medicine operates within a broader system that includes regulation, workforce planning, and public accountability. Limited access during quarantine situations can delay diagnostic clarity, while staffing shortages directly affect the availability of routine and emergency services.

Veterinarians serve as a frontline defense against animal disease and welfare risks. When access or staffing is constrained, the ripple effects extend to farmers, pet owners, and communities that depend on reliable veterinary services.

Visual Insight: Veterinary Challenges (2024–2025)

An accompanying infographic can visually present two core issues:

• Restricted veterinary access during regulated disease investigations

• Workforce shortages impacting clinic operations

Next Move Strategy Consulting View on Veterinary Market Strategy

This growth reflects rising pet adoption, increasing incidence of parasitic and zoonotic diseases, and higher disposable incomes that boost spending on animal care and products. The report identifies strategic innovation, product launches, partnerships, and regional expansion as core mechanisms for competitive differentiation and long term market leadership. Key industry players are increasingly adopting product diversification, technological enhancement, and cross sector collaborations to strengthen their market positions in both companion and production animal segments. For example, new diagnostic tools and expanded feed additive solutions are part of broader initiatives to capture emerging opportunities across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. Overall, the consulting view emphasizes that integrated strategic planning, innovation investment, and responsiveness to evolving animal health needs are essential for sustainable veterinary market growth.

Conclusion

The veterinary profession in 2024–2025 is increasingly defined by adaptation to operational and structural challenges. Whether veterinarians are working under strict quarantine conditions that limit clinical access or managing clinics with constrained staffing levels, their role in safeguarding animal health remains essential. Recent real-world examples clearly show that regulatory oversight directly influences how veterinary care is delivered during disease outbreaks, while workforce shortages continue to affect both service accessibility and long-term clinic sustainability. Together, these factors highlight the importance of strategic education initiatives and aligned policy frameworks to build resilience and ensure the continued delivery of effective and sustainable veterinary market.

Next Steps for Veterinary Stakeholders

Veterinary clinics, policymakers, and educational institutions can respond proactively by strengthening collaboration with regulatory bodies, supporting local training initiatives, and developing workforce retention strategies that reflect regional needs.

• Strengthen coordination between veterinary professionals and regulatory authorities to ensure animal health assessments remain effective during quarantine or outbreak situations.

• Support the development of local veterinary and animal science education programs to help address regional workforce shortages.

• Encourage workforce retention through professional development opportunities and sustainable clinic staffing models.

• Increase awareness among animal owners about regulatory protocols to improve cooperation and trust during disease investigations.