3-03-2025 7:19pm

New Mexico Senate Bill 8, Veterinary Support Bill, Unanimously Passes Senate

Chris Edwards Editor

There is a nationwide shortage of veterinary doctors and technicians, leading to long waiting times for appointments and trouble getting emergency care quickly at some clinics.

The New Mexico Senate in its 2025 session has unanimously approved a measure that will help the state recruit and retain more needed veterinarians.

Senate Bill 8 would provide student loan repayments totaling up to $80,000 to veterinarians who commit to working in a designated under-served area of New Mexico for at least four years.

This is similar to existing and successful state higher education programs that provide loan repayments to professionals working in high-priority fields who commit to serving a set number of years in New Mexico, such as teachers and health professionals.

SB 8 aims to remedy the shortage of specialized veterinary care in rural parts of New Mexico, particularly food-animal veterinary care. This veterinary care is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe supply of food as well as preventing the spread of contagious diseases, such as avian influenza.

The bipartisan legislation — sponsored by Sen. Pat Woods and others — now makes its way to the House of Representatives.

“The New Mexico Higher Education Department has a track record of successfully implementing loan repayment programs for hardworking New Mexicans in critical workforce fields,” said Higher Education Sec. Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “The Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program offers a specific incentive for veterinarians to stay and practice in rural areas throughout the state.”

“Food-animal veterinarians treat various animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and goats,” said Agriculture Sec. Jeff Witte. “Addressing New Mexico’s food-animal veterinarian shortage is a food safety priority because these veterinarians care for animals and ensure our food is safe to consume.”

“The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program is essential to retain and keep veterinarians in New Mexico,” said Sen. Woods. “This debt relief will offer incentives for food-animal veterinarians to establish their practice or service in rural and frontier communities throughout the state. I am pleased to announce that this bill has successfully passed in the Senate with a unanimous vote, and I am confident that my colleagues in the House will understand its importance and why it is needed.”

For more information about other loan repayment programs in New Mexico, visit hed.nm.gov or call the state’s Financial Aid Help Line at 800-279-9777.