Rising veterinary care costs are prompting many US pet owners to delay or reject treatment, but animal health professionals warn that postponing an appointment can turn a manageable problem into a far more serious and expensive emergency.
A PetSmart Charities-Gallup survey found that 52% of dog and cat owners had skipped or declined necessary veterinary care. Among those who had refused treatment, 71% said they either could not afford it or did not believe the recommended care justified the cost.
The research, based on responses from 2,498 US pet owners collected between November 2024 and January 2025, found that the problem affected households across income groups. Even among those earning at least $90,000 a year, one in three said they had missed veterinary care because they could not afford it.
Why delaying veterinary care can prove costly
Routine examinations, diagnostic tests, medicines and procedures have all become more expensive, while advances in veterinary medicine mean pets can now receive complex treatments that were previously unavailable. For owners already facing higher housing, food and insurance bills, an unexpected vet visit can be difficult to absorb.
Yet delaying treatment may allow an illness to progress. A dental problem, small lump or early infection can often be dealt with relatively simply, whereas the same condition may require extensive treatment once it has worsened.
PetSmart Charities said 14% of owners who had skipped care reported that their pet’s condition deteriorated or that the animal died as a result. Nearly three in 10 said they knew someone who had lost a pet because necessary treatment was unaffordable.
Not every appointment has to take place immediately. A non-urgent procedure may be safely postponed if a vet has advised that it can wait. But symptoms including difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, marked lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, collapse or sudden behavioural changes should not be treated as a “wait and see” situation.
Veterinary advice should be sought promptly in those circumstances. The American Veterinary Medical Association also advises owners not to give pets human medicines or attempt to induce vomiting unless directed by a vet or poison-control service.
What owners can do when treatment is unaffordable
Owners worried about veterinary care costs are being encouraged to speak openly with their clinic rather than avoiding treatment altogether. A vet may be able to identify which tests or procedures are most urgent, suggest a lower-cost option or arrange treatment in stages.
However, the PetSmart Charities-Gallup study found that 73% of people who had declined care because of the price said their vet had not offered a more affordable alternative. Only 23% recalled ever being offered a payment plan.
The survey indicated strong interest in different forms of care, with about four in 10 owners saying they would consider community clinics or home visits. A similar proportion said they would use telemedicine if it were available.
A telephone discussion or remote consultation may help establish whether symptoms require an emergency visit, although it cannot replace an examination where a serious illness or injury is suspected.
Can pet insurance reduce the pressure?
Pet insurance can help cover eligible costs linked to accidents and illnesses, depending on the policy. It may make it easier for owners to proceed with surgery, testing or other treatment when faced with a large unexpected bill.
Policies vary considerably. Deductibles, reimbursement limits, waiting periods and exclusions for pre-existing conditions can all affect how much an owner ultimately pays. Cover arranged after symptoms appear will generally not address the condition that has already been identified.
For that reason, insurance is not a substitute for an emergency fund or a conversation with a vet. But planning ahead, asking about payment options and seeking advice when symptoms first emerge may reduce the chance that cost becomes the deciding factor in an animal’s care.
