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PetSmart Charities
Gallup and PetSmart Charities partner to better understand the barriers to veterinary care faced by pet parents and veterinarians.
State of Pet Care Study: Veterinarian Perspectives on Canadian Veterinary Care
To better understand the financial and emotional pressures facing Canada’s veterinary profession, PetSmart Charities of Canada partnered with Gallup to survey 369 veterinarians across the country. Building on prior research on pet parents’ financial considerations, the findings offer a deeper look at how cost concerns shape care decisions for veterinary teams.
Ninety-six percent of veterinarians say financial limitations sometimes or often prevent them from delivering recommended care. Many report limited training in how to discuss affordability with clients, and over one in four say they are distressed by providing care that falls short of the “gold standard.” The study highlights the emotional toll of these challenges and points to areas of opportunity for better communication, education and support across the veterinary industry.
Download the full report to explore insights into strengthening access to veterinary care across Canada.
96% of Canadian veterinarians say clients’ financial considerations sometimes or often limit their ability to provide recommended care.
91% of Canadian veterinarians say emotional impact on the pet’s family is at least somewhat of a concern when care is declined.
87% of Canadian veterinarians say they often or always recommend alternative treatment plans when care is declined due to cost.
State of Pet Care Study: Veterinarian Perspectives on American Veterinary Care
Building on previous research into pet parents’ barriers to care, PetSmart Charities and Gallup partnered to survey 933 veterinarians across the United States, providing new insight into the challenges facing the profession. This report complements earlier findings from pet parents, creating a fuller understanding of how access and affordability shape outcomes for pets, families and veterinary teams.
Veterinarians overwhelmingly identify cost as the primary barrier to care, with 94% reporting clients’ financial considerations sometimes or often limit their ability to provide recommended treatment. The research highlights emotional and practical impacts for veterinarians, as well as urgent needs for greater collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Download the full report to explore key findings and opportunities to improve access to veterinary care nationwide.
94% of veterinarians say clients’ financial considerations sometimes or often limit their ability to provide recommended care.
48% of veterinarians say their education did not prepare them at all to talk with clients about their financial barriers to care.
73% of veterinarians agree it is difficult to see clients struggle to pay for veterinary care.
PetSmart Charities in the Media
Additional Insights
Canadian Veterinarians Cite Cost as Top Barrier to Care
Veterinarians Say Cost Is the Main Driver of Declined Care
Financial Barriers Keep Canadian Pets Away From the Vet
Many Pet Owners Interested in Nontraditional Care Options
Download Past PetSmart Charities-Gallup Reports
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State of Pet Care Study: Pet Parents' Assessment of Canadian Veterinary Care
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State of Pet Care Study: Pet Parents' Assessment of American Veterinary Care