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Pet care costs are skyrocketing, leaving many pet parents feeling the strain. Dr. Emily Tincher, Senior Director of Pet Health at Nationwide®, and Dr. Andy Roark dive into why this is happening on The Cone of Shame podcast—and what can be done to make veterinary care more accessible to pet families across the country.
Why the increase?
- Veterinary services have had higher inflation rates than general goods over the last 20 years.
- Staffing costs: Increased salaries for veterinarians and staff
- Changes in practice economics
- Increased costs of consumables and drugs
Key takeaways from the conversation:
- Clearer cost communication: Many pet families face unexpected bills, but the veterinary industry doesn’t have a strong grasp of how they feel about price sensitivity. Veterinary healthcare team members can ask better questions and do a better job talking about costs upfront, helping pet owners understand the value of care and avoiding surprises.
- Explore alternate practice models that can increase affordability: Rather than referring to a more expensive specialist, general practice clinics can look at offering services like surgeries or dental care to provide an intermediate level cost option that’s easier on pet families’ budgets.
- Empower teams: By allowing support staff to handle more basic wellness tasks, general practitioners can focus on more advanced care, improving both efficiency and affordability.
- Data and understanding needed: A deeper dive into how pet owners perceive costs—especially those who avoid regular vet visits—can help shape more accessible care solutions.
Want more?
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Tincher and Dr. Roark to explore how we can make veterinary care more affordable for every pet family.
