Utah State University to open Utah’s first veterinary college

SALT LAKE CITY — Friday is the groundbreaking for Utah’s very first veterinary college.

Doctor Amanda Vockler is on the Dean’s Advisory Board for Utah State University’s new College of Veterinary Medicine. She explains that this is a major milestone.

“I think there’s a lot of people that still don’t even realize that Utah hasn’t had a veterinary school,” Vockler said. “(Now,) we officially have our own vet school. And, it’s a big deal.”

One of USU’s hopes is that veterinarians who graduate from the new school will stay in Utah and practice here.

Vockler said Utah has a vet shortage and many people can’t get an appointment with a local vet for months.

“It’s a big move, hopefully, in the right direction, to be able to get more vets,” she said. “It’s a high need because I know every vet feels it and sees it. We need more.”

Utah State said the college will support outstanding training for future veterinarians and research focused on animal health.

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