Why the rise of ‘fur baby’ culture is fuelling overtreatment and major animal welfare issues

An increasingly-concerned group of veterinarians has issued a stark warning about the rise of what they call ‘fur baby culture’, suggesting the anthropomorphising of animals is behind alarming animal welfare problems.

These veterinarians have detailed their concerns in a new book called Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, which looks at a range of issues facing the profession including overdiagnosis, overtreatment and corporate profit-chasing. Aimed primarily at veterinary professionals, the book may also be of considerable interest to all pet owners.

In particular, the vet team of authors explores how pets have evolved from working animals to family members, creating what the authors term ‘the profitable 'fur baby' phenomenon’. This shift, they argue, has led to more intensive surgical and medical interventions, many of which are not always in animals' best interests.

The book is edited by veterinary practitioner and wildlife researcher Tanya Stephens; distinguished veterinary anaesthesiologists Professor Eddie Clutton and Polly Taylor; and veterinary neuroscientist and former academic, Kathy Murphy.

Professor Clutton said: “A few vets, us included, see the rise of the “fur baby” as a huge problem for animals and their welfare.

“Some, perhaps many vets, as well as corporate shareholders, see the concept as a tremendously useful way in which to make loads of money.”

The veterinarian team take an unflinching look at how ‘encouraged anthropomorphism’ – treating pets increasingly like human children – can sometimes result in overdiagnosis and overtreatment, that may cause more suffering than benefit.

Tanya Stephens agreed, adding: “And there is a push by some vets to promote and support the human/animal bond as special and essential for human welfare without any acknowledgement that maybe it’s not all it’s cracked up to be and there are some downsides, for the pet as well as the owner.

“In fact village dogs which hang around in groups may have a better quality of life than a designer dog left alone all day. There is no doubt that this emphasis on the human/animal bond supports the rise of the ‘fur baby’.”

The authors challenge the notion that the most expensive or technologically advanced treatment is always best for animals. They advocate moving away from the mythical ‘gold standard’ toward care that considers each animal's individual circumstances and quality of life, along with owner-based concerns such as the financial cost of treatment.

“Better preventative medicine has allowed animals to reach old age, however, longer lives may not necessarily be happier ones if the animal is riddled with old-age ailments and the owner and veterinarian are reluctant to say the last goodbye”, says Tanya Stephens.

Pet owners almost always have good intentions, which the veterinarians acknowledge, but face a huge challenge from mis- and disinformation online, making it difficult to make truly informed decisions about their animals’ care – or even take vet advice at face value.

The veterinarians point out that the rise of social media has been particularly challenging, with influencers sharing ‘health tips’ for pets which aren’t founded in scientific fact or research. Similarly, pet owners will often look up their pet’s symptoms online before an appointment, making it difficult for veterinarians to communicate clinical information.

This ‘fur baby’ phenomenon, the authors argue, is stoked by some in the industry driven by a profit focus. In fact, the authors share a concern many pet owners share: escalating veterinary expenses.

The expert team behind the new book also examine how practice corporatisation and the involvement of global financial organisations in animal care will affect the cost and delivery of animal healthcare.

Dr Murphy questions: “Is there even a place for profit generation in caring professions, when we consider that clients are paying for the cost of their services plus whatever is needed to maximise growth of the company?”

With all these challenges, it is perhaps unsurprising that recent surveys cited in the book show widespread dissatisfaction, high stress, understaffing, long working hours, and abuse of veterinary staff. Similarly, many veterinarians struggle with trying to balance what is best for the animal and what is best for the owner, bearing in mind factors such as financial hardship and caregiver burden.

Rather than criticising pet owners or veterinarians, the book’s creators attempt to foster better understanding of the complex factors affecting animal healthcare. The editors hope their work will lead to ‘better public awareness and appreciation of the veterinary surgeon’s role in society.’

They hope the book serves as both a wake-up call and a guide for navigating the changing landscape of animal healthcare. By understanding these challenges, pet owners can make more informed decisions and work more effectively with their veterinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for their animal companions.