New Report Reveals Growing Barriers to Veterinary Care for Pet Families
The Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) has published Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families. This new report updates and broadens the 2018 national study by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition. The latest research offers a timely view of the changing challenges families face in accessing veterinary care, due to shifting economic conditions, evolving pet family trends, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Access to veterinary care remains a pressing concern for families and veterinary professionals alike,” said Dr Michael Blackwell, PPHE Director. “This report not only identifies barriers, but it also highlights opportunities for improved support through targeted community resources and integrated care approaches.”
Key Findings:
- Fewer Pets per Household:
- The average dropped from 2.2 to 2.0; nearly half now have only one pet.
- Spay/Neuter Disparities Persist:
- Dogs less likely to be altered; gifted pets least likely to be spayed/neutered.
- While cost remains a barrier, data suggests some families with dogs are making selective breeding choices, pointing to a need for targeted education
- Barriers Are Widespread:
- Logistical and financial obstacles are reported across all income groups.
- Emotional Impact on Families:
- Barriers linked to pet surrender, euthanasia, and increased household stress.
The report emphasizes the growing need for expanded veterinary care access, local resource support including training, behavior assistance, and temporary care for aging pets, and community-focused outreach initiatives. The report offers actionable insights to guide policymakers, veterinary professionals, and community leaders in removing barriers to care and promoting pet family well-being.
This study was made possible through a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund.
To access the full report and explore strategies for improving veterinary care access, visit: https://doi.org/10.7290/r1n7sh.
About Program for Pet Health Equity
The Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) believes all pet families deserve access to veterinary care. PPHE’s mission is to advance pet family health equity through a One Health approach, transforming communities to ensure access to essential care and integrated services.
About Maddie’s Fund
Established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield, Maddie’s Fund® is a family foundation and fulfillment of a promise to their dog, Maddie. She provided them joy for over 10 years and continues to inspire us today.
Due to their generosity and vision, the Foundation has awarded over $301.3 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education, establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S. and driving innovation in access to care. Maddie’s Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions.
The Foundation invests its resources in keeping with Dave & Cheryl’s promise, that pets and their people would enjoy the same experience they had with Maddie. They are committed to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.
Maddie’s Fund is part of The Duffield Foundation Family which also includes Liberty Dogs and Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
For more information, contact: T’ Fisher, Program for Pet Health Equity, [email protected]