Cat and dog veterinary visits have been declining over the past several years, and a new study might explain why. According to the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, the reasons include: the economic impact of the recession, fragmentation of veterinary services, consumers substituting Internet research for office visits, cat resistance to vet visits, perception among pet owners that regular medical check-ups are unnecessary and the cost of care. The study included individual interviews and focus groups with veterinarians, focus groups with pet owners and a nationally representative survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners to determine the factors contributing to the decline in veterinary visits. “By far the most important finding is the misperception by many pet owners that regular medical checkups for pets are not necessary,” said Ian Spinks, president and general manager of Bayer Animal Health North America.
