Rachel Park’s curiosity gives new meaning to pet owners’ barriers when considering veterinary care. Her research group’s findings describe known and unknown factors. Here are a few of her study results.
- The overall likelihood of dog owners to seek care did not differ significantly across demographics, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status.
- There were demographic differences related to barriers to veterinary care, as well as to the owner’s relationship with the dog as a family member or as property.
- Primary barriers to care identified were transportation, veterinary office hours, cost, language differences and trust which except for trust, cut across all demographics: race, gender, education level and socioeconomic status.
- Black and Native American respondents were 10 to 15 percent more likely to indicate a lack of trust as a barrier to seeking veterinary care.
Source: NCState University, January 25, 2021. Link.
INSIGHTS: The importance of this study sunk in the third time I read about it. Most veterinary teams are currently challenged to serve clients coming in record numbers. However, when the pandemic disruption slows, Park’s findings will be important to maintain and attract clients. Consider starting the conversation now in team meetings and set future times on the calendar to discuss and evaluate how barriers are being addressed.