When Love Isn’t Enough: The Silent Crisis of Unaffordable Vet Care

For millions of American pet owners, a trip to the vet can mean more than just a tough bill it can mean making impossible choices. A recent report from MarketWatch revealed a harsh truth: over half of U.S. pet owners skipped or delayed vet care in the past year, primarily due to cost. And these aren’t just low-income households. Even those earning over $100,000 annually are feeling the financial strain.

The Rising Cost of Compassion

Veterinary costs have been climbing faster than inflation, rising at an average of 5.9% per year. What’s driving the increase?

• Advanced treatments that mirror human healthcare

• Private equity takeovers of vet clinics, often leading to higher prices

• Increased demand as more households adopt pets post-pandemic

While modern veterinary care has never been more advanced, it’s also never been more expensive.

The $20 Billion Care Gap

In 2024, Americans spent nearly $40 billion on vet care. But there’s still an estimated $20 billion “care gap” representing all the pets who never received the treatment they needed due to affordability barriers. Behind that number are real stories: families forced to surrender pets, delay urgent treatment, or make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize simply because they couldn't afford care.

Insurance Can Help But It’s Not There Yet

Pet insurance has the potential to ease the financial burden, especially for emergencies or chronic care. It’s growing, with over 5.7 million pets now covered but in a country with more than 200 million pets, that’s just a drop in the bucket.

Insurance still remains out of reach for many due to high monthly premiums, limited coverage, or confusing exclusions. For insurance to truly close the affordability gap, more widespread enrollment is needed and we’re not there yet.

The Emotional Toll of Financial Strain

Beyond the numbers lies something harder to quantify: guilt. Many pet owners report feeling ashamed, helpless, and emotionally devastated when they can’t access care for a beloved companion. It’s not just a financial issue it’s a mental health one, too.

A Call for Innovation and Transparency

This crisis calls for new solutions:

• Transparent pricing, so pet owners can compare and plan ahead

• AI tools, like those offered by FareVet, that help owners review their bills and find more affordable care

• Flexible payment options, fundraising tools, and budget-friendly vet plans

Veterinary care doesn’t need to be a luxury. It needs to be accessible because our pets are family, and families deserve care, not crisis.

FareVet’s Mission: Closing the Gap

At FareVet, we’re on a mission to make veterinary care more transparent, affordable, and human. Whether you're comparing vet prices, reviewing a confusing bill, or seeking help for unexpected costs we’re here to help.

Because no one should have to choose between money and their pet’s life.