Rising Costs Continue to Challenge Veterinary Care Access, New Study Finds
A new report from PetSmart Charities and Gallup highlights the growing impact of financial barriers on veterinary care, revealing a persistent disconnect between veterinarians and pet owners when it comes to discussing treatment affordability.
Financial Barriers Affect Most Practices
The study surveyed 933 U.S. veterinarians and found that 94% report clients’ financial constraints sometimes or often limit their ability to provide recommended care. Cost was cited more than twice as frequently as any other reason pet owners decline treatment, reflecting similar findings from pet parents themselves.
A Gap in Communication
Despite widespread acknowledgment of financial strain, veterinarians and pet owners often perceive care discussions differently:
81% of veterinarians say they often or always recommend an alternative treatment plan when clients decline care for financial reasons.
Yet, 73% of pet parents who have declined care report that no alternative was offered.
Similarly, while 41% of veterinarians report offering payment plans or financing, only 23% of pet parents recall being offered these options.
The survey also revealed that nearly half of veterinarians received little to no formal training in navigating financial conversations, leaving many professionals underprepared to address cost barriers compassionately.
Emotional Toll on Pet Families and Veterinary Teams
Financial limitations are not only a logistical challenge—they carry significant emotional weight:
73% of veterinarians report it is difficult to watch clients struggle with costs
74% say euthanasia due to financial constraints is one of the hardest aspects of their work
41% report that euthanasia for financial reasons occurs at least sometimes in their practice
Veterinarians also worry about pet health deterioration (98%) and the emotional impact on families (88%) when care is declined.
Spectrum of Care Offers a Path Forward
The study emphasizes the Spectrum of Care approach—adapting treatment recommendations to the patient, client circumstances (including finances), and the veterinary team’s capabilities. While 88% of veterinarians are familiar with this framework, only 51% report regularly applying it.
Proactive discussions about cost remain rare: just 17% of veterinarians attempt to understand a client’s financial situation before recommending treatment, compared with 49% who address cost afterward, and 34% who wait until a client raises the issue.
Implications for Veterinary Practice
The findings highlight the need for training, communication tools, and systemic support to help veterinarians navigate financial conversations and offer flexible care options. Doing so can improve pet health outcomes, reduce emotional strain on clients and staff, and ensure more pets receive the care they need.
The study underscores that cost is not just a barrier for pet owners—it is a challenge for veterinary professionals striving to provide compassionate, practical care.
Methodology: Web-based survey of 933 U.S. veterinarians conducted September 9 – October 5, 2025. Results have a ±3.3% credibility interval at the 95% confidence level.
