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USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Pet health care prices are so high that most owners are skipping treatments
Pet health care prices are so high that most owners are skipping treatments The results were similar across all income levels. Pet advocates say that shows a need for vets to adjust to address clients' financial concerns. Show Caption Hide Caption Nationwide dropping pet insurance in some states Nationwide says inflation and pet veterinary care are among the reasons for dropping pet insurance. Fox - 35 Orlando Whether their bestie is Fido or Fifi, owners are getting more finicky about the costs of their pets' healthcare. More than half of owners – including those in high earning households – have skipped necessary veterinary care in the previous year or declined recommended treatment at some point in the past, mostly because of the associated costs, a national study has found. Seven in 10 people who skipped or declined care cited cost as the main reason, saying they couldn't afford it or didn't think it worth the expenditure, according to the study conducted by PetSmart Charities and Gallup. The results were surprisingly similar across all income levels, PetSmart Charities president Aimee Gilbreath said, demonstrating the need for vets to better accommodate their clients' financial concerns. 'There's a narrative that says this only affects folks in the bottom part of the income spectrum,' Gilbreath said. 'But it's all across the spectrum. That surprised me – and it worries me. If folks in the top half are struggling to afford primary vet care, who can afford vet care now?' According to 'The State of Pet Care' report, vet care costs in the U.S. have soared more than 60% since 2014, forcing many owners to forgo recommended treatment for their pets, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. 'At least 60% of households have a pet, and people love them as family members,' Gilbreath said. 'We don't think they should be a luxury item. They're good for people's mental, physical and emotional health, and if it becomes unaffordable that's a really sad situation.' Pet owners were expected to spend an estimated $39 billion in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association, and a survey of dog owners conducted that year by found more than 44% of respondents felt their costs of care had risen significantly; 84% blamed veterinary care. Even higher income owners feel the pinch The survey of 2,498 U.S adults owning at least one dog or cat, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, found that 52% of pet owners had skipped or declined care. Diagnostic procedures (22%), vaccinations (18%) and elective surgeries (16%) were the most commonly declined pet health care services, but 11% said they had turned down recommended medications and 7% said they had refused lifesaving surgeries. Of those who skipped or declined care, 71% of respondents said cost was the key factor. While that response was highest (80%) among those with a household income of between $36,000 and $60,000, nearly two-thirds (66%) of those earning $90,000 or more said the same. For those with higher incomes, it wasn't necessarily a matter of affordability: Only a third of those earning $90,000 or more said they couldn't afford the expense, compared to 72% of those with incomes between $36,000 and $60,000. However, 44% of those in the higher bracket said the cost wasn't worth it, compared to just 21% of those in the lower one. Gilbreath said pre-pandemic surveys had hinted at the growing issue as veterinary costs ballooned. 'If you look at vet pricing over the last five years, it has shot up faster than other indexes,' she said; inflation has compounded rising medical costs prompted in part by more expensive diagnostic testing and higher vet staff wages. 'For a lot of pet families, that dramatic cost increasing over a short period of time is making things very painful,' Gilbreath said. 'We're in a time when families are really stretched, and unexpected expenses like a big vet bill are hard to manage.' Payment plans could be a lifesaver for pets Animal shelters around the country said they're seeing the effects. 'We have seen an increase in owners surrendering their pets due to their inability to afford care or to find pet-friendly housing,' said Guinnevere Shuster of the Humane Society of Utah in Murray. Last year, the number of owners who turned in pets because they could not afford to care for them increased by more than 22%, she said. In Tennessee, the Nashville Humane Association partners with the Banfield Foundation to fund monthly low-cost clinics to help owners access more affordable veterinary care for their pets. 'With the cost of living increasing year after year across the United States and many private veterinary practices opening up, the cost of care has skyrocketed and appointments are filling up months out,' Whittemore said. 'We hope these clinics will alleviate some of the financial strain pet owners in our community are currently experiencing.' Additionally, Gilbreath said as owners have increasingly treated pets as part of the family, they've begun exploring medical options for animals not considered 20 years ago. 'There's options now that they didn't used to have, and that may be pulling costs up,' she said. 'There are treatments for dogs with cancer. You can get a CT scan and an MRI for your pet, or advanced orthopedic procedures. There's certain injuries where if a dog had them 20 years ago you would go with crate rest and pain management, and now you can have a surgery that costs $7,000.' PetSmart Charities estimates about 15% of pet households can afford gold-standard care. 'They want the best and most technologically advanced care,' Gilbreath said. 'But there's a lot of other households where that's not an option, and those folks should be able to get more affordable care.' Despite the financial constraints preventing access to vet care, 73% of owners who declined treatment weren't presented with more affordable alternatives, the study found, and fewer than one in four (23%) said they'd ever been offered a payment plan option. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' While some cases – for example, a blocked intestine requiring surgery – mandate a single course of action, 'we would have thought far more people would be offered a payment plan or more affordable treatment option,' Gilbreath said. PetSmart Charities plans to survey veterinarians later this year in hopes of learning more about why, she added. 'Pets are family' Forgoing necessary or recommended pet care is linked with poor outcomes, the study found. Among those declining care, one in seven (14%) reported that their pets either worsened or died. Three in 10 pet owners (30%) said they had a friend or family member whose pet died in the past five years because of unaffordable treatment, and one in 10 (11%) knew someone who'd had to relinquish a pet because of care costs. Gilbreath recommends pet owners discuss possible treatment alternatives or payment options with their vets to find a solution that meets their needs. In addition, veterinary care or other resources can sometimes be found through community non-profit organizations or animal shelters with public-facing medical clinics. She noted the experience of a 'relatively well-off' woman who adopted a cat as she settled into her just-purchased home. The cat developed a dental condition that would have required expensive treatment. 'This woman was heartbroken,' she said. 'She didn't want the cat to suffer, so she gave it up to a shelter in hopes it would get the care it needed.' Wracked with guilt, the woman returned to the shelter the following day to retrieve the cat and learned that a community organization could provide the necessary care at a more affordable cost. 'She was able to get the cat back and get care she could afford,' Gilbreath said. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' Additionally, Gilbreath said, veterinary schools could help by making students aware of low-tech treatment alternatives to high-tech ones so that they're comfortable offering a range of options. 'The data shows that many pet parents are not being presented with alternative care options that could make veterinary services more accessible, despite interest in such options," said Zach Hrynowski, a senior researcher at Gallup, in a press release accompanying the report. "Our analysis of the data points to a clear opportunity for the veterinary industry to expand affordable, flexible solutions that meet pet parents' needs.' Gilbreath said she hoped the report helps pet owners not feel alone or ashamed of their decisions, given how common such situations are. 'Pets are family,' Gilbreath said. 'For a lot of folks, they're the only family. That's why we do this work. We want pets and their people to be able to stay together.'
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Dog and Cat Get Scolded After Sitter's 'Bad Report Card'—Not Impressed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches. In a TikTok video with more than 362,000 views, Nala and Felon were given what can only be described as a parenting-style intervention. The clip, captioned "It's like raising children I swear," showed the pet parent addressing their furry companions about a less-than-stellar report card from the pet sitter during a recent three-day absence. "I've gathered both of you here today to discuss your bad report card," the owner said sternly, as the camera pans between the dog, visibly guilty, and the cat, who appears completely unfazed. According to the "charges," Nala suffered from "stress-induced diarrhea" and required constant potty breaks, while Felon the cat attempted a daring escape through the front door—prompting a frantic chase by the sitter. "She sent me pictures and videos of her playing and petting you," the owner told the cat. "She treated you just fine for you to be a jerk and run away. Probably gave that girl a heart attack. Shame on you." Needless to say, both pets were denied treats and left with a firm reminder: "We need to be nice to our pet sitters, OK?" A screenshot from the video where the pet owner hilariously called out her animals' behavior. A screenshot from the video where the pet owner hilariously called out her animals' behavior. @golden_girl_nala/TikTok The U.S. pet day care market was valued at more than $1.73 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue to grow, reaching an estimated $2.85 billion by 2030. It is no wonder as the American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that 94 million U.S. households own at least one pet, with 51 percent owning a dog. This isn't the first time a pet sitter experience has gained viral attention. In 2023, a picture of a "spicy" cat with her pet sitter left people in stitches, while another pet owner said she was "coming home asap" after receiving an adorable video of her puppy from the sitter. As the video of Nala and Felon gained more attention, people shared their reactions in the comments. "My mom's dog was allowed back because he pooped on white carpet," wrote user Abcd1234, while viewer Rai pika pi posted: "Puppy is sorry. Cat expects an apology." Margaret Therese Kai commented: "I think the puppy couldn't help it. But that cat plotted." Another user, Renee'81, captured the cat's unapologetic demeanor perfectly: "Cat has no regrets and will do it again." Newsweek reached out to @golden_girl_nala via TikTok for comment. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Veterinary Services Market to Reach USD 226.93 Billion by 2032, Driven by Growing Pet Ownership and Advancements in Animal Healthcare
Global Veterinary Services Market Growth is Fueled by Rising demand for pet healthcare, cattle disease control, and technology advances in diagnostics and treatment. Austin, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veterinary Services Market Size & Growth Analysis: According to SNS Insider, The Veterinary Services Market size was valued at USD 119.7 billion in 2023, is expected to rise to USD 226.93 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.38% over the forecast period 2024 to 2032. Rising pet adoption worldwide, zoonotic and chronic animal diseases' increasing frequency, and veterinary diagnostics, telemedicine, and surgical technique developments drive this expansion. Further driving the need for veterinary services are rising government rules on animal health and welfare as well as growing public awareness of the need of preventative care for pets and cattle. Furthermore, greatly contributing to the expansion of the industry are the increase in cattle farming and attention on enhancing meat and dairy a Sample Report of Veterinary Services Market@ With a CAGR of 7.31%, the U.S. veterinary services market is projected to rise to USD 65.13 billion by 2032 from USD 34.55 billion in 2023. High pet ownership rates, sophisticated animal healthcare infrastructure, rising pet insurance premiums, and laws aimed at animal welfare helped the United States account for a commanding percentage of the global industry. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that U.S. pet sector expenditure in 2023 would be around USD 143.6 billion, with veterinary care making a major share. Key Veterinary Services Companies Profiled in the Report Zoetis (Rimadyl, Revolution) Royal Canin (Renal Feline Special, Dental Care kibbles) Virbac (CaniLeish vaccine, Effipro spot-on) Mars, Incorporated (Pedigree pet food, Whiskas cat food) Nestlé Purina PetCare (Purina Pro Plan, Fancy Feast) Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health (NexGard, Heartgard) Elanco Animal Health (Trifexis, Interceptor Plus) Ceva Santé Animale (Vectra 3D, Adaptil) Merck Animal Health (Bravecto, Nobivac vaccines) Vetoquinol (Zylkene, Marbocyl) IDEXX Laboratories (Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer, SNAP 4Dx Plus Test) Covetrus (Pulse Veterinary Software, Vetstreet) Patterson Veterinary (Patterson Veterinary Catalog, NaVetor software) National Veterinary Associates (NVA) (Companion Animal Hospitals, Ethos Veterinary Health) Banfield Pet Hospital (Optimum Wellness Plans, Vet Chat) VCA Animal Hospitals (CareClub Wellness Plans, myVCA app) MedVet (Emergency and Specialty Care, MedVet Oncology) BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital (24/7 Emergency Care, Specialty Veterinary Services) PetVet Care Centers (General Practice Veterinary Services, Specialty Veterinary Services) Mission Veterinary Partners (Preventive Care, Surgical Services) Veterinary Services Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 119.7 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 226.93 billion CAGR CAGR of 7.38% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East]), Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America) Key Growth Drivers Advancements in veterinary medicine and technology have enhanced diagnostic capabilities, enabling early detection and accurate diagnosis of various health conditions, thereby improving treatment outcomes. Segment Analysis By Animal Type The companion animals segment accounted for the largest share of the veterinary services market in 2023. The growing number of homes with pets, especially dogs and cats, as well as the humanizing of pets, which results in more expenditure on their healthcare, are the main causes of this development. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that around 70% of American homes have a pet in 2023, therefore generating a consistent demand for services including dental care, vaccination, diagnostic imaging, and surgical operations. To afford thorough treatment, pet owners are more likely to buy wellness plans and pet insurance, therefore promoting regular visits and preventative treatment. Growing knowledge of canine mental health and nutrition has led specialist veterinarian clinics to provide complete care, including behavioural therapy, grooming, and nutritional consulting. Pet owners' growing emotional bond with their animals is probably going to help preserve the dominance of this market throughout the forecast period. By Service Type The medical services segment dominated the veterinary services market with a commanding 72% revenue share in 2023. For companion and cattle animals, this area covers diagnostics, therapy, surgery, and continuous illness management programs. The growing frequency of chronic illnesses and emergency treatments such as orthopaedic surgery, oncology services, and critical care fuels the demand for medical services. Many veterinary clinics now provide in-house clinical testing and diagnostic labs as evidence-based treatment is in increasing demand. Diagnostic accuracy has been raised by innovations including MRI and CT scanning, digital radiography, and real-time diagnostic tools, so improved treatment results and customer happiness. Furthermore, the growth in in-home and mobile veterinarian services has increased access, particularly in metropolitan areas where pet owners appreciate ease. Pet owners' willingness to spend on modern medical treatments and operations has also been reinforced by the rise in pet insurance coverage, therefore guaranteeing the medical segment's continuous dominance. Buy a Single-User PDF of Veterinary Services Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ Regional Analysis With 37% of the global veterinary services market share in 2023, North America leads. The area gains from high degrees of pet ownership, a robust network of hospitals and veterinary clinics, a developed insurance market, and excellent veterinary research. Particularly the United States keeps setting trends in pet care technologies, legal requirements, and digital veterinarian platforms. Supported by growing awareness of animal welfare, strict EU rules on animal husbandry, and higher expenditure on cattle healthcare, Europe is the second-largest market. Leading nations in the region adopting sophisticated veterinary technologies are Germany, France, and the UK. Asia Pacific is poised for the fastest growth during the forecast period. Particularly in China, India, and South Korea, the area is seeing an explosion in pet ownership in cities. To guarantee disease management in cattle, governments in these areas are funding initiatives for animal health, therefore ensuring economic and food security. Recent Developments Leading U.S.-based chain VCA Animal Hospitals extended its telehealth services over several states in 2024 to increase access for pet owners living in rural areas. With an eye on AI-assisted diagnoses and sustainable clinic operations, Mars Veterinary Health announced a USD 500 million investment in veterinary infrastructure in North America and Europe. Veterinary Services Market Segmentation By Animal Type Production Animals Cattle Swine Poultry Others Companion Animals Dogs Horses Cats Others By Service Type Medical Services Diagnosis In-vitro Diagnosis In-vivo Diagnosis Preventative Care Treatment Consultation Surgery Others Non-medical Services Livestock Services Pet Services Need Any Customization Research on Veterinary Services Market, Enquire Now@ Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 5.1 Incidence and Prevalence of Animal Diseases (2023) 5.2 Veterinary Drug Volume: Production and Usage Trends 5.3 Veterinary Healthcare Spending, by Source (Government, Insurers, Out-of-Pocket) (2023) 5.4 Technological Adoption in Veterinary Healthcare (2023) 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Veterinary Services Market by Animal Type 8. Veterinary Services Market by Service Type 9. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Use Cases and Best Practices 13. Conclusion Related Reports Companion Animal Health Market Report Veterinary Diagnostics Market Analysis Veterinary Vaccines Market Forecast Pet Insurance Market Trends Veterinary Imaging Market Forecast About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. CONTACT: Contact Us: Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PetCove Unveils Game-Changing Smart Solutions for Enhanced Pet Parenthood
Photo Courtesy of Hilly Ort JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PetCove, the leading provider of advanced pet care solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its smart products designed to enhance the pet parenting experience. This unveiling comes at a time when the pet industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with total U.S. pet expenditures projected to reach $150.6 billion in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). PetCove's new offerings include a range of smart pet care devices, such as the PurrTek Self Cleaning Litter Box, which integrates seamlessly with the PetCove app to provide pet owners with real-time monitoring and control over their pets' hygiene needs. "We are excited to introduce these innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of pet owners," says Hilly Ort, PetCove Co-founder, "Our mission is to provide products that not only enhance the well-being of pets but also make pet care more convenient and sustainable for their owners." PetCove's integrated system combines advanced health monitoring technology with intuitive user interfaces, enabling pet owners to make more informed decisions about their pets' care. "Today's pet parents are seeking deeper connections with their animal companions and want to ensure they're providing the best possible care," Hilly Ort notes, "Our smart solutions bridge the gap between human intuition and data-driven insights, creating a new system for modern pet parenthood." PetCove's commitment to smart solutions and customer satisfaction is evident in its comprehensive range of products, from self-cleaning litter boxes to pet grooming kits and dog agility courses. The company's app allows users to remotely manage their pets' needs, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners who value convenience and efficiency in pet care. To learn more about PetCove's innovative pet care solutions, visit the PetCove website. About PetCove PetCove is dedicated to providing a wide range of innovative products and services that promote the happiness and well-being of pets. With a focus on smart technology and sustainable materials, PetCove aims to revolutionize the pet care industry by making it more convenient, enjoyable, and eco-friendly for pet owners. Contact:Hilly OrtCEO, PetCovehilly@ (844)924-8445 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
02-05-2025
- General
- Axios
Cooped up: Why raising urban chickens may take time to pay off
Raising chickens has increased in popularity among Americans as a means to save money on food costs, increase self-sufficiency and avoid high egg prices. For many, it also produces eggs that are a healthier alternative to in-store options, avoids certain practices that can lead to disease and reduces pests and insects in gardens. What they're saying:"The world is changing because of climate change, viruses and practices that don't help support resilient animals," said Jamie Chan, a San Francisco native who's executive director of the Planet Bee Foundation. " The urgency to have secure food resources like this is perhaps greater also because of the occurrence of (food) shortages." Zoom in: While the San Francisco Environment Department doesn't track the number of backyard chickens, the city limits residents to four hens and prohibits roosters. No permit is required, but coops must be at least 20 feet away from any entrance or window of a residential building, according to health code standards. By the numbers: 11 million U.S. households now have backyard chickens — a 28% increase from 2023, according to the American Pet Products Association. Between the lines: Though egg production rates vary, Chan said, chickens in their prime can produce one egg per day over an 18- to 24-month period. Other experts have told Axios two hens can produce anywhere between 48 to 84 eggs over six months. Chickens take breaks during the winter. Production also tends to slow as they age. New chicken farmers can expect to see their flocks begin production within a few months, Chan said. Yes, but: Caring for the birds instead of buying eggs at the store can still be expensive. Supplies for food, upkeep and a coop to get started with just two hens can cost about $600, excluding the cost of the birds themselves. Chickens are also susceptible to viruses like the bird flu, fleas and other health issues, which is why vaccinations, clean living conditions and protecting a flock from contact with wild animals is important to reducing risks. Though urban settings like San Francisco tend to have lower disease transmission risks compared with large farming operations, Chan said, it's also important to secure coops from predators such as raccoons and coyotes. The bottom line: "If we all had our own food security in our own backyards, we would actually be a more resilient community. So maybe it doesn't need to be considered a trend. It needs to be considered as a plan for making our city a much more sustainable and food sovereign place," Chan added.
