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Veterinary Usage Trends

Another concerning trend has to do with veterinary usage. Many pet owners are only bringing their pets to the veterinarian for illnesses—whether it’s a specific disease, symptoms, or general sickness. Here are the top three reasons pet owners take their pets to the veterinarian.

  1. Specific Disease (diagnosed illness)
  2. Symptoms (no specific diagnosis)
  3. Preventive/Wellness Visits
This trend is an issue for both the health of pets and the financial health of veterinary practices. As you know, pets benefit from ongoing wellness care, which can help them live longer and healthier lives. In addition, these regular visits give veterinarians the opportunity to detect illnesses earlier when treatment can be easier and outcomes for the pets can be better. They can also help build a trusting and long-term relationship with clients, which can positively impact the financial stability of a practice.
While this trend is problematic, there is a bright side. Pet owners are still visiting their veterinarians even if it is mostly for illnesses. This gives veterinary team members the opportunity to talk to clients about the overall healthcare needs of their pets and recommend routine preventive care. However, your team members need to be prepared to have these conversations and offer effective responses when it comes to issues around money.

*2017-2018 AVMA Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook

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