Indiana Introduces New Online Tool to Help Hoosiers Find Veterinarians

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana Center for Animal Policy has launched a new tool designed to help animal owners find veterinarians accepting new clients.

Many Hoosiers, whether caring for livestock in rural communities or pets in suburban neighborhoods, have struggled in recent years to locate available veterinary services.

The increase in both animal agriculture and household pets has created a strong need for better access to veterinary care across the state.

Indiana’s livestock sector continues to grow, increasing the demand for large‑animal veterinarians. At the same time, thousands of new pets have been added to homes over the past five years, further expanding the need for veterinary support.

To help address this challenge, the new Indiana veterinary practice finder, known as Find‑A‑Vet, offers a simple way for residents to search for veterinary care.

The new online portal allows users to look for services based on species, location, specialty, and type of care. Options include in‑clinic services, on‑site visits, and haul‑in facilities. The tool is also free to both veterinary practices and animal owners.

Information is supplied by Indiana‑licensed veterinary clinics that choose to participate and are currently accepting new clients.

“We know the search tool will not solve all the shortfalls we hear about,” said Indiana State Veterinarian Kyle Shipman, DVM. “Our goal is to help where we can to match up veterinary practices with capacity for new clients with those who need their services. Many times smaller clinics are not well known outside their immediate communities, so an animal owner may not be aware that a veterinarian is available in the next town or county away.”

More than 200 practices have already registered for Find‑A‑Vet, and outreach continues to encourage additional clinics to participate. “More than 200 practices registered with Find-A-Vet, and we continue to reach out to our veterinary colleagues, encouraging them to join as we expand this service,” said Dr. Shipman.

The practice finder is now available through the Indiana Center for Animal Policy, the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Updates, including new practice listings, will be posted quarterly.

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