Veterinary Care in Crisis: Why Even Affluent Pet Owners Are Skipping Vital Treatments
A shocking new national study reveals that more than half of pet owners - across all income levels - are declining essential veterinary care due to skyrocketing costs. The findings expose a growing crisis in animal healthcare accessibility that's forcing heartbreaking decisions for pet families nationwide.
The Cost Barrier: By the Numbers
The PetSmart Charities/Gallup survey of 2,498 U.S. pet owners found:
52% skipped or declined veterinary care in the past year
71% cited cost as the primary reason
14% reported their pet's condition worsened or led to death after skipped care
Veterinary costs have surged 60% since 2014
Income Doesn't Equal Access
The financial strain crosses economic boundaries:
80% of middle-income ($36-60K) owners cited unaffordable costs
66% of high-earners ($90K+) still declined care - not because they couldn't pay, but because they didn't see the value
Only 15% of pet households can afford gold-standard veterinary care today
What Owners Are Sacrificing
The most commonly skipped services reveal troubling trends:
Diagnostic procedures (22%)
Vaccinations (18%)
Elective surgeries (16%)
Lifesaving medications (11%)
Emergency surgeries (7%)
The Ripple Effect
Shelters report a 22% increase in owner surrenders due to unaffordable care. Tragically, 30% of owners know someone whose pet died from untreated conditions, while 11% know owners who relinquished pets over medical bills.
Missed Opportunities in Practice
The study uncovered critical gaps in veterinary communication:
73% of owners weren't offered affordable alternatives
Only 23% were presented with payment plan options
Flexible financing could double what owners can pay (from $1,000 to $2,000 for emergency care)
A Call to Action
Industry leaders urge veterinary practices to:
Implement tiered treatment options
Offer extended payment plans (18-month, interest-free)
Train students in cost-conscious care approaches
Partner with community organizations for subsidized services
"The data shows veterinary care is becoming inaccessible at all income levels," said Aimee Gilbreath of PetSmart Charities. "We must create solutions that keep pets with their families without compromising care standards."
As costs continue rising faster than inflation, the profession faces a critical challenge: making essential care attainable while maintaining quality. The full study will be released later this year with detailed recommendations for bridging this affordability gap.
