Veterinary activity: increasingly urban and employing more women

The veterinary sector generated turnover of €3.5bn in 2016. It grew by 3.6% per year between 2000 and 2016. This growth was driven by pet care, making up two-thirds of the business. In 2016, the sector comprised 12,900 self-employed vets and 5,500 salaried vets. In recent years the profession has been greatly rejuvenated and employed more women. The shrinking livestock sector is affecting the activity of rural vets, who generate most of their turnover selling drugs; moreover, most of their work is on cattle.