Veterinary School Being Considered For UC Riverside Campus

RIVERSIDE, CA — Riverside County officials have agreed to split the cost of a $250,000 feasibility study with the University of California, Riverside to explore establishing a regional veterinary school that would address local animal care shortages.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposal Tuesday, Sept. 15, agreeing to allocate $125,000 toward the assessment. The study will evaluate the academic, operational, spatial, and financial requirements needed to launch a veterinary program at UCR.

Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez introduced the initiative on behalf of a board ad hoc committee formed in July 2024 to strengthen operations at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

"At a time when we are facing a shortage of veterinarians, we have an opportunity to explore bringing this specialized education closer to home and creating a pathway for local students to enter the profession," Perez said. "A veterinary school could help strengthen our workforce, support our Animal Services system and, most importantly, expand access to quality care for animals throughout Riverside County."

County officials stressed that the agreement does not obligate the county or the university to build or fund a veterinary school. The assessment will instead determine the long-term viability of such an institution and outline the necessary resources and infrastructure.

Perez acknowledged UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu and members of the UC Board of Regents for collaborating on the project, noting that hard data from the study will dictate next steps.

The agreement between Riverside County and UCR runs through Jan. 31, 2027.