By the Numbers: What Shapes Care Conversations

Most U.S. veterinary professionals say they modify treatment plans weekly, even as more clients turn to pet insurance for support.

20% to 30%

One-quarter of survey respondents said that 20% to 30% of the euthanasia decisions they see are due to pet owners not being able to afford the cost of treatment.

4.7

The amount of times per week veterinary professionals modify treatment plans due to client cost concerns, underscoring how financial considerations regularly shape veterinary decision-making.

Cost concerns from clients frequently influence veterinary care in the U.S., with 84.4% of veterinary professionals adjusting recommended treatment plans on a weekly basis. Nearly a third (30.3%) make these adjustments 5 to 10 times per week or more.

9 out of 10

The amount of veterinary professionals who believe pet insurance can help ensure clients are able to say “yes” to more care and provide their pets with the best possible care.

Around the same percentage of veterinary professionals also indicated they believe pet insurance reduces anxiety.

8 out of 10

professionals face at least one difficult discussion with clients each week.

According to Pawlicy Advisor’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, developed in partnership with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Nearly a quarter (23.5%) report having these challenging conversations 5 to 10 times per week or more. On average, veterinary professionals in the U.S. navigate difficult financial discussions with clients about four times each week, highlighting how common and ongoing this aspect of client care has become.

Photo Credits:

istockphoto.com/Lamina Akulova

istockphoto.com/GrantAnastasiya

istockphoto.com/sndr