Veterinarians Are Some of the Most Trusted Professionals—So Why Do Half of Them Feel Unappreciated?
New Global Survey Reveals a Disconnect Between Pet Owners and Veterinary Professionals
Veterinarians are among the most trusted professionals in the world. According to a new 2025 survey, 94% of animal owners say they appreciate veterinary professionals, and 91% recognize them as essential to society. But there's a problem—only 49% of veterinarians feel that appreciation.
The findings come from Boehringer Ingelheim’s latest Going Beyond campaign, developed in collaboration with leading organizations like the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, World Association for Buiatrics, and VetFamily. Designed to spotlight the hidden challenges of veterinary work, the campaign also reveals a surprising gap between public perception and the realities of veterinary life.
The Appreciation Gap
While most pet owners report valuing their veterinary team’s care, many veterinarians don't feel that recognition is reaching them. Only 75% of vets believe clients appreciate the level of care they provide, and less than half believe clients appreciate the profession overall.
Claire Fowler of Boehringer Ingelheim says the campaign aims to bridge that gap. “We are proud to celebrate veterinary teams and bring attention to their crucial role as animal health practitioners, researchers, educators, and public health advocates,” she said.
Misunderstood Work-Life Balance
The survey also revealed misconceptions around the profession's demands. Sixty-five percent of pet owners believe veterinarians have a good work-life balance. But in the 2024 survey of veterinarians, 48% said their clients underestimate the personal sacrifices they make—including long hours and limited time off—to provide care.
Stress and emotional exhaustion are other overlooked issues. Two-thirds of owners believe vets need resilience, but veterinarians report that this aspect of the job is often minimized or dismissed. According to Dr. Jim Berry, president of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, “Veterinary teams face intense physical and emotional demands that often go unrecognized. To protect this essential profession, we need to do more to support them.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Public
In a campaign video released for World Veterinary Day, pet owners were asked to guess the profession based on a list of demanding and emotional job responsibilities. Many were surprised to learn they were describing veterinarians—highlighting just how misunderstood the profession still is.
“We think that if pet owners understood their veterinary teams might be struggling, they would care deeply,” said Fowler. “A simple thank-you—whether in person, in a review, or online—can make a real difference.”
Veterinarians Deserve More Than Just Trust—They Deserve Recognition
Veterinarians are essential to public health, food safety, animal welfare, and community well-being. The Going Beyondcampaign shows that while trust in veterinarians is high, real appreciation and support still lag behind. The goal of the campaign is simple: help veterinary professionals feel seen, supported, and motivated to continue their vital work.
The survey, conducted in early 2025 by Kynetec, included 1,200 animal owners from six countries. Respondents included dog, cat, horse, and farm animal owners, and the findings were consistent across demographics.
The message is clear: veterinarians are doing more than most people realize—and it’s time the world truly saw them for it.
