A Year to Remember (and Forget)

In a wide-ranging year-end analysis for Today’s Veterinary Business, Mark Cushing reviews the regulatory, legal, and economic developments that shaped the veterinary industry in 2025 and outlines what remains unresolved as the profession moves into 2026.

Cushing examines several major policy fronts, including telemedicine regulation, interstate licensing barriers, veterinary shortages, private equity ownership, artificial intelligence, and accreditation oversight. While some progress was made, he argues that many issues remain constrained by outdated frameworks that no longer align with how veterinary medicine is practiced or how pet owners seek care.

A recurring theme is access. From limits on telemedicine adoption to persistent workforce shortages and housing policies that restrict pet ownership, Cushing highlights how regulatory inertia can unintentionally undermine both veterinarians and the families they serve. He also explores emerging debates around artificial intelligence and accreditation, warning that delayed or misaligned regulation could slow innovation rather than safeguard quality.

The veterinary profession has strong fundamentals and growing demand, but meaningful improvement will require faster, more coordinated action from regulators, professional bodies, and policymakers. As Cushing notes, the coming year offers an opportunity to turn discussion into durable reform.