A group of executives from companies offering animal jobs met with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon in September with one goal in mind: getting the state to increase funding for more financial funding and resources for veterinary assistant schools.
According to representatives from many leading companies, the lack of two-year programs can make it difficult to find a qualified veterinary assistant when a position becomes available.
“Right now we have about five on staff, but once we have openings, they’re tough to find,” said Craig Martin, director of research and development at Nestle Purina Petcare Co. “And the veterinarians I talk to say they’re always looking for more.”
In response to the business leaders, Gov. Nixon said that he would add their concerns to a list of other issues to possibly be addressed during the next legislative session.