There are nearly 10 billion food and companion animals in the United States. The protection and improvement of these animals’ health makes up the job description of over 1 million individuals. Further, this industry generates billions of dollars in revenue and taxes.
The benefits of the animal health industry extend beyond dollars and cents. Playing an integral role in the promotion of “food security, human health and the social benefits of animals contributing dramatically to our quality of life”, the industry yields both direct and indirect benefits.
Results of a new study funded by the Animal Health Institute titled, “The Economic and Social Contributions of the Animal Health Industry” illustrates those direct and indirect benefits.
The study found that veterinary services are a critical component of the U.S. animal health industry. Some of the key findings on this front are as follows:
- Of the 359, 103 workers employed in veterinary services, 79,600, or 22.2% are veterinarians, with technical and administrative staff accounting for the rest.
- In total, the veterinary services sector pays $13.4 billion in wages annually and generates $41.5 billion in output.
- Nearly two-thirds of this output is generated by routine and emergency services for domestic pets.
For more information, view the summary from Drovers here.
To view the report in its entirety, click here.