Half of Canadian Pet Owners Are Delaying Care — And It’s Not Just About Money
Half of Canadian pet owners say they skipped or declined needed veterinary care for their pets in the past year — and while finances are the top concern, they’re far from the only reason.
According to the State of Pet Care Study by Gallup and PetSmart Charities of Canada, 50% of Canadian dog and cat owners reported avoiding care. Among them, 31% saw a vet but declined recommended treatment, while 19% didn’t visit the vet at all.
Young Adults Most Likely to Delay Pet Care
The problem is most pronounced among younger pet owners. Nearly 6 in 10 Canadians aged 18 to 29 said they declined or skipped care. Surprisingly, this trend persists across income brackets — meaning even pet owners with financial stability are avoiding the vet.
Why Are People Skipping the Vet?
Money matters most. Two-thirds of those who declined care said cost or a perception that treatment wasn’t worth the price was the reason.
Households making under $60,000 cited affordability as the top barrier.
Households making over $60,000 were more likely to say care wasn’t worth the cost.
Even in the $90,000+ bracket, 27% said they simply couldn’t afford the recommended care.
Yet, only 28% of pet owners who declined treatment due to cost said they were offered more affordable alternatives — pointing to a clear disconnect between financial concern and veterinary flexibility.
Not Just About Cost: Convenience and Practicality Matter
Financial pressure isn’t the only hurdle. Many pet owners also cited practical concerns — like stress for their pets or a reluctance to administer complicated treatments at home.
Among those who found recommended care impractical:
65% were offered alternatives better suited to their needs
But only 20% of cost-conscious pet owners were offered payment plans — an option that could improve access significantly if made more widely available
Travel Distance a Major Factor
Distance to the vet directly impacts care decisions:
46% of pet owners living within 10 km of a vet skipped or declined care
This jumps to 60% for those traveling 25–50 km, and 55% for those over 50 km away
More Pet Owners Turning to Non-Veterinary Advice
While 79% of pet owners still consult a veterinarian (in person or virtually) when their pet is sick, many also turn to alternative sources:
43% consult the internet
30% ask friends or family
22% go to pet professionals like groomers or trainers
Alarmingly, 18% say they only consult non-veterinary sources — a figure that rises among younger adults and lower-income households.
The farther people live from a vet, the more likely they are to rely on non-professional advice. Among those over 50 km from a vet, 28% said they do not consult a veterinarian at all.
Untapped Potential for Telemedicine and Community Clinics
Although few Canadians currently use telemedicine, house calls, or community clinics, there’s strong demand:
4 in 10 pet owners said they would use telemedicine or mobile care if available
1 in 3 would use a local community clinic
These services could especially benefit rural or underserved areas, where pet owners face limited access and high travel burdens.
What This Means for the Future of Pet Care in Canada
The study highlights a serious access gap in veterinary care. While cost is the leading barrier, issues of practicality, distance, and trust also keep pet owners from getting their animals the help they need.
Expanding telemedicine, payment flexibility, and community-based care could dramatically improve outcomes for both pets and their families — especially in lower-income and remote communities.
As veterinary demand continues to rise in Canada, the challenge now is not just delivering high-quality care — but making that care reachable, relevant, and realistic for every pet owner.
Source: Gallup-PetSmart Charities of Canada State of Pet Care Study (2024–2025)
Follow @Gallup for more insights. Learn more about the study at gallup.com.
