Veterinary census will help define economic needs

A census measuring the economic health of the veterinary profession is underway and will provide data to help define and bolster AVMA strategies for improving veterinary employment.

The survey, called the AVMA Census of Veterinarians, offers insight into veterinary pay, unemployment and underemployment, all of which are key indicators that our economists look to in analyzing the veterinary employment market. We report the survey results in our annual AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinarians, and use them to build and maintain tools such as the AVMA Veterinary Salary Calculator, which helps both individual veterinarians and employers benchmark veterinary income levels. We also rely on this and other survey data to inform our advocacy work on behalf of veterinarians at both the federal and state level.

All of these efforts, of course, are only as good as the data on which they’re built. That means it’s vital that all AVMA members who are asked to participate in the survey take the time to answer the questions as completely and precisely as possible. We know that your time is valuable, so we only ask a small portion of you to take part in any given survey. Because of this, your answers carry extra weight; we’re relying on you to provide this important information.

Emails went out on Feb. 22 to AVMA members who were selected to take part in the 2018 AVMA Census of Veterinarians. If you’re not certain whether you were among this group, please check your email inbox and fill out the survey questionnaire if you received it. The survey applies to all veterinarians, not only those in private practice, nor even only those who are currently employed. It includes retired veterinarians, those who are currently not working, and veterinarians in all types of jobs, including industry and government. If we sent you an invitation to participate in the census, we really do need your response!

The AVMA’s goal is to support and enhance your professional success, and research tools such as the AVMA Census of Veterinarians are critical to that work. We serve as your voice in policymaking, provide services and tools to help you succeed in your job and thrive personally, and advance public understanding of the vital work that veterinarians do. To do this, we need an in-depth understanding of your individual experiences as veterinary professionals. Your involvement is essential.