Commentary
By now, you’ve probably read plenty of industry takes on the results of part two of the PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Or, you’ve seen articles in mainstream media emphasizing affordability of care for pets. Press releases and articles may sensationalize the findings below, but the study reveals much more than recalcitrant veterinary professionals.
When reviewing the research and its various narratives, it is important to acknowledge that this part of the study focuses on the responses of 933 veterinarians across the United States versus the previous study, which surveyed pet owners.
We noted the following in Aimee Gilbreath’s forward to the study results:
- The findings reveal a system under strain — one where affordability challenges, professional expectations and rising operational costs converge.
- 50 million pets in the U.S. have owners who lack access to veterinary care
- Limited training to navigate financial conversations
- Veterinarians’ reluctance and concerns limit their offering a spectrum of care
- The veterinary profession is deeply committed to companion animal well-being while also navigating economic pressures, ethical tensions and emotional burdens that affect how care is delivered every day.
Source: PR Newswire, January 20, 2026. Link. The full PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Noted in the study implications:
- Veterinarians report concerns about pet parents’ ability to afford recommended treatment and the negative consequences of declined care.
- Most view affordability as pet parents’ responsibility rather than an obligation of the veterinary industry.
- Veterinarians report <practice> affordability challenges across all types of practices and geographic settings, revealing the broad scope of the issue.
INSIGHTS: None of the findings are a surprise and candidly have been discussed since the early 1970s. The obvious near-term opportunities are to address financial objection training and spectrum-of-care issues in veterinary practices. Actively promoting pet health insurance and wellness plans are important components of meeting the affordability challenges. But, some people are not candidates for pet ownership despite the shelter industry needing to place unwanted and abandoned pets.