The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that the number of dog-owning households in the U.S. rose from 31.3 million in 1996 to 59.8 million in 2024, while cat-owning households increased from 27 million to 42.1 million in the same period.
This cultural shift has led to a surge in demand for veterinary services, with job listings for veterinarians on Indeed increasing by 124% over the past three years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in veterinary careers between 2023 and 2033, significantly outpacing the average projected growth of 4% among other occupations.
Veterinarians now earn a median annual salary of approximately $140,000, more than double the national average of $66,621, reflecting the profession’s elevated status and the growing emphasis on pet wellness.
