Veterinary Practices NAICS 541940

Mar 20, 2026 - Chronic Conditions Drive Veterinary Visit Demand

• Chronic conditions are driving a significant share of demand for US veterinary practices, according to an analysis of 3.3 million pet insurance claims by Nationwide from 2025 covering more than 1 million pets, according to a Veterinary Practice News report. Among dogs, skin allergies ranked as the top claim for the 15th consecutive year, with 6 of the top 10 conditions classified as chronic. Seizures also entered the top 10. For cats, digestive disorders led for the third straight year, with 7 of the top 10 conditions chronic. These findings highlight sustained, long-term care needs, reinforcing recurring visit volumes and ongoing treatment demand. For veterinary practices, the prevalence of chronic conditions supports stable revenue streams but also increases the importance of care management, client education, and treatment adherence.
• US consumer confidence edged up to 91.2 (up 2.2 points) in February but remains well below its 2024 peak (112.8), signaling a cautious environment for veterinary practices, according to the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index. While expectations improved, current conditions declined, and concerns about inflation and costs persist. Overall planned spending on services softened, but planned spending on pet care services increased, indicating continued prioritization of animal health. Labor conditions improved slightly, supporting income stability, though financial outlooks remain mixed. For veterinary providers, this suggests steady but selective demand, with pet care remaining resilient as consumers shift toward essential services and limit discretionary spending.

• The 2025 State of Pet Care Study by PetSmart Charities and Gallup found that client financial limitations frequently prevent US veterinarians from providing recommended care. Surveying 933 veterinarians, 94% reported clients’ financial constraints sometimes (56%) or often (38%) block treatment, with cost cited more than twice as often as any other reason for declined care. Despite 81% of veterinarians claiming they offer alternative care when cost is a barrier, prior pet parent data show 73% were not presented with options, and only 23% recall being offered financing despite 41% of vets providing it. Nearly half (48%) had no formal training on discussing financial barriers, contributing to emotional strain: 74% cited euthanasia due to financial constraints as among the hardest aspects of practice. The findings highlight the need for proactive cost communication, veterinary education, and flexible strategies to improve access, protect animal welfare, and support the mental well-being of veterinary professionals.
• The American Pet Products Association’s 2025 Bird, Small Animal & Horse Report highlights expanding demand drivers for US veterinary practices, supported by generational shifts and higher engagement across non-traditional pet categories. Six million US households own birds, six million own small animals, and two million own horses, broadening the patient base beyond dogs and cats. Gen Z now accounts for 22% of bird owners and 34% of small animal owners, while Millennials represent 39% of horse owners, signaling long-term demand for avian, exotic, and equine veterinary services. Rising multi-horse ownership, with 55% of horse owners owning two or more horses (up 22% since 2018), supports recurring care needs. High spending on pet gifts, averaging $40.52 for birds, $34.52 for small animals, and $96.92 for horses, reflects strong willingness to invest in animal health and preventive care.