Congresswoman Brown Introduced VET CARE Act

The proposed legislation aims to alleviate nationwide veterinarian shortages through new work-based grant programs.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a professional examination table and a medical tool in a rural veterinary clinic setting. — Congresswoman Shontel Brown has introduced the VET CARE Act, a legislative proposal designed to fund work-based learning programs to combat national veterinarian shortages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Congresswoman Shontel Brown has introduced the VET CARE Act to establish federal grants supporting veterinary work-based learning programs. The initiative seeks to build a pipeline of future veterinarians for rural and agricultural communities across the United States.

Why it matters

The legislation addresses significant workforce gaps identified in 46 states during 2025. It aims to secure the future of animal healthcare by providing students with essential hands-on exposure to the veterinary profession.

A 2025 report identified critical shortages in 46 states, with Ohio alone facing a projected deficit of 600 to 1,000 veterinarians by 2035. Stakeholders have rated the severity of this crisis in Ohio at 7.9 out of 10.

The players

Shontel Brown

She is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Ohio's 11th congressional district.

United States Department of Agriculture

This federal executive department is responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and rural economic development.

The Ohio State University

This public research university in Columbus, Ohio, maintains a prominent College of Veterinary Medicine.

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

This non-profit membership organization represents the interests of veterinary medical colleges across the world.

The details

The VET CARE Act authorizes the USDA to distribute competitive federal grants to veterinary clinics, schools, and organizations like 4-H and FFA. This funding supports work-based learning opportunities designed to give high school students direct, practical experience in veterinary medicine.

In 2025, the USDA identified veterinarian shortages in 46 states.
On October 1, 2026, Congresswoman Shontel Brown introduced the VET CARE Act to Congress.
Ohio faces a projected shortage of up to 1,000 veterinarians within the next decade.

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Culture Shift

The VET CARE Act follows a pattern set by the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program by targeting staffing shortages in the agricultural sector. This transition reflects a broader shift toward government-backed workforce development to sustain essential rural healthcare infrastructure.

This legislation could significantly expand career exposure for high school students interested in animal health through new local grant-funded programs. Families in rural and agricultural areas may eventually see increased access to veterinary care as the student pipeline grows.

The takeaway

The VET CARE Act emphasizes the importance of early hands-on education in mitigating future specialized workforce crises. Students interested in animal health should monitor their local FFA or 4-H chapters for potential future opportunities tied to these federal grants.