More than half of U.S. pet parents say they’ve skipped veterinarian visits — and cost is the top reason. A new nationwide study by Gallup and PetSmart Charities found that 52% of American pet owners have declined or delayed veterinary care. Seven in 10 said they couldn’t afford it or felt the cost wasn’t justified.
It’s not just lower-income families that are affected. Even among households earning $90,000 or more, a third of pet parents admitted they’ve skipped vet care due to cost.
Veterinary care costs are rising
According to insurance company Lemonade, the average costs for common veterinary treatments are:
- Routine checkup: $60–$80
- Allergy testing: $195–$250
- Dental care: $500–$1,000 for dogs, $200 for cats
- Emergency visits: $75–$200
- Diagnostic testing: $200–$4,000
- Overnight hospitalization: $600–$1,700 per night
Procedures like dental care require anesthesia and longer appointments, which drive prices higher. In emergencies, the cost of treatment and testing can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Because of this, Lemonade reminds pet owners that not every out-of-the-ordinary symptom necessarily requires a trip to the emergency room.
Study finds lack of options and severe outcomes
The report also found that many pet owners weren’t aware of, or offered, lower-cost alternatives.
“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,” Zach Hrynowski, senior researcher at Gallup, said in a press release.
In fact, 73% of pet parents who declined care said their vet never offered a more affordable option. Additionally, the study revealed that 14% of pet parents who skipped care said their pet’s condition worsened, or that they even died as a result.
Insurance and payment plans offer potential relief
Some pet owners turn to insurance for help. According to Forbes, the average monthly premiums cost around $46 for dogs and $23 for cats. While this may seem high, a vet told CBS News in March 2024 that, depending on the policy, insurance may cover 80% to 90% of total care costs.
The study also notes that flexible payment plans could be a game-changer for many pet parents.
Access to care still a major hurdle
The American Animal Hospital Association warns that delaying care or skipping annual checkups can allow minor issues to worsen, leading to even higher bills later on.
To address the gap, PetSmart Charities has donated $100 million to expand access to vet care. But even that may not be enough –– the organization estimates that it would cost more than $20 billion annually to provide adequate care to all pets currently going without it.
