The veterinary field offers so many potential benefits - competitive pay, considerable job security, and the ability to effect real change in the lives of countless pets and their owners. Nonetheless, despite comprising roughly 13% of the American population, African-Americans only make up approximately 2% of the U.S. veterinary workforce.

The ability to study veterinary medicine only became available to Black Americans during the late 40s and early 50s. However, this came with the caveat that most states refused to grant veterinary licenses to Black veterinarians, and most white practice owners were not interested in hiring a Black veterinarian.

…It’s time for a change.