More Than Half of Pet Owners Skipped Veterinary Care Last Year — Here’s Why That’s a Big Problem

If you’ve ever hesitated before booking a vet appointment because of the price tag, you're not alone.

A new study from PetSmart Charities and Gallup found that 52% of U.S. pet owners have either skipped or declined needed veterinary care in the past year. That’s more than half of pet families across the country—saying no to the very care that could keep their furry companions healthy and safe.

So, what’s keeping people away from the vet? The short answer: money.

The Cost of Care Is the #1 Barrier

Among those who skipped or declined care, 71% pointed to cost as the primary reason. That includes people who couldn’t afford the visit at all, or didn’t feel the recommendation was worth the cost.

And it’s not just low-income households feeling the pinch. Even one in three pet owners making over $90,000 a yearsaid affordability was a factor in turning down or avoiding care.

Skipping Vet Visits Comes at a Cost

When people say no to vet care, pets suffer the consequences.

According to the study:

• 22% declined diagnostic tests

• 18% skipped preventive care like vaccines

• 16% turned down elective surgeries

• 11% declined recommended medications

• 7% refused lifesaving surgeries

And it’s not just about missed checkups—14% of those who declined care say their pet’s condition worsened or their pet died.

That’s a sobering reminder: skipping veterinary care isn’t just a budget decision. It can be a life-or-death one.

Limited Options Make It Worse

Another major finding? Most pet owners facing financial barriers weren’t offered alternatives:

• 73% were not offered a lower-cost treatment

• 46% didn’t get a more practical plan tailored to their pet’s needs

In short, many pet owners are left with an all-or-nothing scenario—and far too often, the answer ends up being “nothing.”

Payment Plans Could Be a Game-Changer

There is a potential solution: interest-free payment plans. The study found that:

• 66% of pet owners say they could pay $1,000 or less for lifesaving treatment upfront

• But if given a one-year interest-free payment plan, 64% say they could afford double that amount

Despite that, only 23% of pet owners report ever being offered a payment plan by their vet.

This gap between what people could do and what they’re offered could be the difference between getting care—or not.

A Growing Need for Change

With veterinary costs rising more than 60% since 2014, the pressure on pet owners is only increasing. The Gallup findings highlight a growing crisis in access to care—one that’s affecting pets across all income levels.

What can help?

• Offering flexible payment options

• Creating practical treatment plans that balance cost and care

• Increasing transparency around pricing

These changes won’t solve everything, but they could make a huge difference for millions of families.

Because at the end of the day, pet owners want to do right by their animals. The challenge isn’t a lack of love—it’s a lack of affordable, accessible options.

Want to read the full Gallup study? Check it out here.

Need help navigating vet costs? Stay tuned to Pet Candy for more insights, tips, and stories from the front lines of pet care.