The Rising Costs of Veterinary Care: Challenges and Pathways to Greater Access

The veterinary industry faces a critical challenge: As the cost of care rises, access to essential veterinary services is slipping out of reach for many pet families. Veterinary teams witness this daily—pet parents struggling with difficult financial decisions, delaying or forgoing care, and seeking alternatives outside of mainstream practice models. Ensuring that pets receive the care they need requires a deeper understanding of the barriers pet families face and the shifting landscape of veterinary medicine. The challenge is not just affordability, but also availability, flexibility, and trust in a system that must evolve to meet pet parents where they are. How can we, as veterinary professionals and the broader industry, work to build a pet care model that is both inclusive and adaptable?

Understanding the Drivers of Rising Costs

To address the issue, we must first examine the factors contributing to increasing veterinary costs. Over the past 2 decades, veterinary service inflation has surpassed general inflation rates by > 60% in the consumer price index, making it harder for pet owners to budget for their pets’ health care needs. Several key factors contribute to these rising expenses:

• Workforce costs: A competitive job market has driven long-overdue wage increases for veterinarians and support staff.
• Shifting practice economics: Clinics are adjusting pricing models to offset reduced pharmacy revenue from online competition and increased operational costs.
• Higher supply and medication costs: Inflation, supply chain issues, and manufacturer pricing changes have led to increased costs for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

Technological advancements and shifts in care models also play a role:

• Cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments: New diagnostic and treatment innovations improve pet health outcomes but come with higher costs.
• Expanded specialty and referral services: Greater access to advanced care means more options but also increased expenses due to the specialized staff, equipment, and facilities required.
• Reduced intermediate care options: A growing focus on advanced-level treatment has created gaps in mid-tier care, leaving some pet families with limited choices between specialty care or basic/no treatment.

While advanced treatment often leads to the best medical results, it’s essential to recognize that specialty care isn’t always feasible or desirable for every pet family.

Practical Strategies for Increasing Access to Care

Here are 3 ways to support affordability and accessibility without compromising on the need to charge properly for your goods and services:

1. Educate Pet Owners on Financial Planning Tools. When it comes to their pets’ healthcare, families have more financial planning options than ever. They look to you for guidance, so recommending options for things like pet insurance can help ease financial strain. Encouraging teams to stay informed about available solutions can make a big impact. Nationwide’s video series for veterinary health care teams answers FAQs about pet insurance, our coverage, and what makes us different. Find them by visiting petinsurance.com/veterinarians and clicking on Digital Materials.
2. Implement a Spectrum of Care Approach. Providing a range of evidence-based treatment options—from basic to advanced— ensures that pet owners can make informed decisions within their comfort level. Judgment-free communication and flexible care models empower more families to say “yes” to a level of treatment that meets their expectations and their resources. Learn more at spectrum-of-care.com.
3. Leverage Stratified Practice Models. Rethinking service delivery can improve affordability and efficiency. Consider maintaining a referral list of lower-cost providers, directing minor cases to urgent care, or utilizing telehealth for triage. Emerging models—such as vaccine clinics, outpatient surgery practices, and urgent care centers— are reshaping the landscape, making veterinary care more accessible for a broader range of pet families. There is mounting evidence that these models invite pet families who may not otherwise engage with veterinary care to do so.

Moving Forward With Purpose Change, even gradual change, can be challenging—but small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference. By helping pet families plan for costs, embracing a spectrum of care, and exploring innovative care models, veterinary teams can play a pivotal role in improving access to care for all pets.

REFERENCES

1. Benson J, Tincher EM. Cost of Care, Access to Care, and Payment Options in Veterinary Practice. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. Published online December 1, 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.10.007

2. Wiltzius AJ, Blackwell M, Krebsbach S, et al. Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy. AVCC Website (http://avccutkedu/). Published online December 17, 2018. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_smalpubs/17/

3. Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households (SHED). Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Updated August 22, 2022. Accessed May 21, 2023.

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