Veterinary Council report highlights significant changes and work-life balance issues

Kenneth Fox

The Veterinary Council of Ireland’s Workforce report highlights significant shifts in the veterinary sector and work-life balance challenge

The detailed study examines the demographics, professional dynamics, geography and nature of practise/species of the clinically active veterinary workforce and makes recommendations aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities in the sector.

It highlights growing pressures on the veterinary workforce, including recruitment and retention challenges in rural areas, limited out-of-hours emergency cover, and work-life balance issues.

Rising companion animal ownership and population growth are increasing demands, while a shift toward urban practices and an ageing food animal workforce, some working beyond EU time limits, pose further concerns.

Some of the key findings of the Veterinary Council’s report include:

• The veterinary register has grown by 30 per cent since 2004, yet rural areas face shortages of large-animal practitioners, essential for Ireland's agricultural sector;
• Demand for veterinary study places is rising;
• Attrition rates are linked to workload pressures, particularly in rural and large-animal practices;
• An increasing demand for companion animal care (small animal practice) is leading to a shortage of large animal care practitioners;
• One-third of all veterinary practitioners have graduated abroad, reflecting the globalised nature of veterinary education and practice;
• Demand for veterinary services is expected to grow by an average of 3.37 per cent each year to 2033.

The report highlights work conditions and progression opportunities need to be addressed, improved and supported, to ensure more recently qualified or younger graduates are attracted and retained in veterinary services in order to continue to meet the demanding challenges of veterinary practice, food safety and public health initiatives.

Niamh Muldoon, chief executive and registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, said: "This report marks a crucial step in understanding the dynamics of our veterinary workforce.

"It highlights the pressures practitioners face, especially in maintaining a work-life balance in areas critical to Ireland’s farming and food security. While the growth in companion animal care (small animals) is promising, we must ensure that rural veterinary practices remain robust and sustainable to meet national needs."

The Veterinary Council’s report makes detailed recommendations to improve work-life balance for veterinary professionals (vets and vet nurses), such as:

• Enhancing workplace conditions;
• Better utilising veterinary nurses;
• Introducing supports for practitioners in rural and large-animal practices.

Mental health supports and leadership training to improve job satisfaction and retention.

To future-proof the workforce, the report urges collaboration among stakeholders to enhance recruitment, expand veterinary education pathways, and align planning with the needs of Ireland’s companion animal and agricultural sectors.

These measures aim to ensure a sustainable workforce that meets the country’s animal health, food safety, and public health demands.