The country vet keeps the whole operation running.

A growing gap in rural care

Many rural counties struggle to keep a veterinarian who will treat cattle, horses and other livestock. Large-animal work means long drives, late-night calls and hard physical work, and fewer new veterinarians are choosing it. When the practice in a farming community closes, ranchers can be left hours from help when an animal needs it most.

Many of these practices are owned by a veterinarian nearing retirement, with no partner ready to take over. Selling to a large chain often means a shift toward pets in town and away from the ranch calls the community depends on.

Why it fits our agriculture strategy

Animal health sits at the center of every livestock operation. A practice that serves our own and allied cattle ranches, dairies and equestrian centers keeps those businesses sound, while continuing to serve every rancher and family in the area. The practice gains steady work; the operations around it gain care they can count on.

What we look for

• Established, profitable practices with large-animal, equine or mixed caseloads and a loyal client base.
• A skilled team — veterinarians, technicians and staff who know the clients and the country.
• Owners who want the practice to continue, on their own timeline, with the name and the care they built intact.
• Room to grow through added veterinarians, mobile and on-farm services, herd health programs, or related services such as nutrition and reproduction.

Keeping veterinarians in the country

The hardest part of rural vet care is recruiting the next veterinarian. We support practices in hiring, mentoring and keeping new veterinarians, so the care a community depends on outlasts the founder. Read how we train the next generation.