Half of Young Veterinarians in Belgium Quit the Profession Within Five Years
Recent data from OBSVET highlights rising attrition rates among young Belgian veterinarians due to challenging work conditions, low pay, and the lure of opportunities abroad.
Newly released data from OBSVET reveals that one out of every two young veterinarians in Belgium leaves the profession within five years of graduation. This growing trend, experts say, is driven by overwhelming workloads, insufficient salaries, and the difficulties of independent practice. Some young professionals pursue alternative careers or relocate abroad, particularly to neighboring France.
Liège University stands out as the only French-language institution in Belgium that offers veterinary degrees. Of the roughly 280 graduates each year, about 100 move to France immediately after completing their education, while the rest remain in Belgium and earn prescribing rights. However, the statistics show that about 90 veterinarians under the age of thirty let their membership in the Belgian Veterinary Chamber lapse and leave the field each year.
The demanding nature of the work, decreasing job satisfaction, and inadequate income are consistently cited as the leading causes for leaving the profession. Nearly half of young veterinarians report that current wage levels do not offer a sustainable livelihood, and many are actively considering other career paths. In response, new initiatives are being planned to better understand and address the underlying factors behind these departures.
