Veterinarian shortage hits rural Oklahoma amid growing demand

Oklahoma’s rural communities are grappling with a worsening veterinarian shortage, especially in areas dependent on livestock. According to the Farm Journal Foundation, 64 of the state’s 77 counties lack adequate veterinary coverage. For some clinics, the gap is already critical.

In Hughes County, Dr. Rebekah Hartfield is the only practicing veterinarian, treating everything from cats and dogs to cattle and horses. Her story underscores the broader challenges facing rural veterinary care across the state.

Veterinarians in Short Supply Across Rural Oklahoma

The USDA recently labeled 35 Oklahoma counties as veterinary shortage areas—regions without enough rural veterinarians to meet demand. That number grows to 64 counties when factoring in additional areas where clinics are struggling to recruit or retain staff.

This shortage threatens care for both pets and livestock, creating concern in a state where agriculture is a major economic driver.

One Vet, One Clinic, One County

Dr. Hartfield has run the Holdenville Veterinary Clinic for more than six years. She’s the only veterinarian serving Hughes County—and she’s feeling the weight.

"My clinic alone, I probably see 60% small animal and some of those small animals are your working dogs that are helping on the farm or helping on the ranch, but those animals this are just as important too," Hartfield said, "but then 40% of what I see are horses and cattle, pigs and goats, and so there is definitely a need for someone that can see a variety of those animals and help their community.”

Still, being the sole vet means long hours and limited backup, especially during emergencies.

Shrinking Pool of Rural Vet Candidates

Out of 106 recent graduates from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 indicated plans to work in mixed animal practices—often a necessity in rural settings.

But only 24 were from Oklahoma, and even fewer were interested in private, rural clinics. By the time corporate recruiters and hometown ties play out, Dr. Hartfield says the hiring pool shrinks dramatically.

“When you think about only having a pick of maybe 8 to 10 students a year, that number is just not very big,” she said.

Retirement Wave Could Make Things Worse

More than 600 veterinarians across the state could retire in the next decade, according to the Farm Journal Foundation. Without a steady flow of new vets into rural areas, entire counties could be left without any local care.

Dr. Hartfield worries that younger veterinarians are less interested in clinic ownership, which puts additional pressure on existing rural practices.

“I think it’s gonna really hurt these areas where some of these clinics are just going to have to close because they don’t have anyone wanting to take ownership,” she said.

What’s Being Done to Help?

To address the shortage, the Farm Journal Foundation is working with Oklahoma State University’s vet school and the Oklahoma Veterinary Board. Their goal: support rural clinics in attracting and keeping new graduates.

Dr. Hartfield says students don’t need to make immediate long-term commitments, but they should at least explore rural options.