This is an interesting article. I haven't really thought about how the term 'access to care' meaning different things to different people might alter perception of how to fix the issue.
Additionally, the fact that the results were almost fully electronically driven. If access to care is an issue for these populations, I wonder how much it would be different if we were talking to a demographic who doesn't regularly use or have access to the internet. Surveying pet food pantry seekers as they come for example.
It will be a difficult conversation that access to care veterinarians typically means less access to a vet (or more time) as the study indicates wanting. I think this is an education gap for people; or maybe something that access to care clinics can alter. But the model for access to care to be successful does tend to be more clients to help make up for the deficit. Seems the client will always be left wanting.
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Rachel Ide
Animal Services Director
Young-Williams Animal Center
TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2026 05:56 AM
From: T' Fisher
Subject: New Research Reveals Trust Gap Between Pet Owners and Veterinarians
 | A recent study, U.S. residents' self-reported access to veterinary care and implications for care-seeking decisions, published under our Research Topic - Enhancing Veterinary Access Through One Health and Interprofessional Collaboration in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science Sec. Veterinary Humanities and Social Sciences journal uncovers concerning insights about access to veterinary care in the United States. Researchers surveyed over 1,000 U.S. residents to understand their perceptions and experiences seeking veterinary care. Key findings include: - While most respondents defined "access to care" in terms of service availability, ease of communication, and affordability, more than half of those who actively seek veterinary care reported distrusting their veterinarian.
- Over one-third were dissatisfied with veterinarian interactions despite being satisfied with their pet's medical care
- Many respondents indicated willingness to seek care from veterinary technicians or mid-level professionals rather than forego care entirely
The study highlights how demographic factors-particularly age, education, and income-influence care-seeking decisions and perceptions of alternative providers. Younger participants and those with lower incomes showed greater openness to culturally competent alternative care options. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both availability and quality of the veterinarian-client relationship to improve animal welfare outcomes. The research calls attention to a critical One Health consideration: when access to quality veterinary care is constrained, both animal and human well-being suffer.
📖 Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1655537 |
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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