During the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of people across the United States found themselves confined to their homes, a remarkable shift occurred in the realm of pet ownership. Fueled by increased time spent indoors and often accompanied by heightened feelings of anxiety and isolation, the acquisition of pets surged to unprecedented levels. A recent study led by Kayla Pasteur from Purdue University illuminates this phenomenon, revealing not only this spike in pet acquisition but also the consequential challenges owners faced accessing veterinary care during this turbulent period. The results, derived from a comprehensive survey of more than 700 U.S. residents, shed light on the social behaviors underpinning pet ownership trends and expose critical vulnerabilities in the veterinary health system during times of crisis.
The survey, conducted in late 2021, included responses from 751 participants, 79% of whom were current pet owners. The data pinpointed that households with children and those adapting to remote work were significantly more inclined to add pets to their families amidst the lockdowns. This surge in pet acquisition is understandable considering the psychological and emotional support animals provide during uncertain times. Dogs and cats, already cherished companions for 58 million and 40 million U.S. households respectively, became vital allies for wellbeing, stress relief, and social connection as human-to-human interaction diminished dramatically during the height of the pandemic.
However, the story behind this increased cohabitation with pets reveals a less gleaming reality. Despite the joy and comfort pets brought, many owners encountered pronounced difficulties in obtaining veterinary care. The study highlights that approximately one-fifth of all surveyed pet owners reported challenges in accessing fundamental veterinary services such as vaccinations, routine exams, and emergency procedures. These obstacles were especially severe for pets exhibiting behavioral complications, amplifying the strain on owners who were already navigating the complexities of an unusual domestic environment heightened by pandemic stressors.
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Diving deeper into the technical aspects of these findings, the survey methodology relied on an online questionnaire designed to capture a broad cross-section of U.S. pet ownership experiences during the pandemic. By analyzing variables such as household composition, employment circumstances, pet behavioral history, and veterinary access, the researchers were able to correlate pet acquisition trends with service accessibility. This quantitative approach provided a granular perspective on both the motivating factors behind pet adoptions and the systemic challenges that complicated post-adoption pet health management.
The pandemic-induced explosion in pet ownership thus exposed critical gaps in the veterinary care infrastructure. Clinics faced unprecedented demand, constrained by staffing shortages, social distancing regulations, and workflow disruptions. This combination created bottlenecks in service availability, elongating wait times and reducing face-to-face consultations. For many new pet owners, especially those confronting challenging pet behaviors without prior experience or knowledge, these barriers resulted in heightened stress and unfortunately, increased risk of relinquishment or inadequate care.
Another significant insight from Pasteur and colleagues’ study is the indication that behavioral problems in pets became a major factor influencing veterinary access difficulties. Behavioral issues often require specialized interventions, training, or anxiety management therapies that are less readily available compared to routine veterinary services. The pandemic’s social isolation may have exacerbated pet anxiety and stress, further compounding these problems. Owners unprepared for or unfamiliar with behavior management techniques were often left without sufficient professional guidance, underscoring a crucial need for integrated education and support systems to accompany pet ownership, particularly in crisis contexts.
From a broader scientific and societal lens, this study offers valuable implications. It challenges veterinary service providers, animal welfare organizations, and policymakers to reimagine how pet care can be rendered resilient against future emergencies. This includes developing online consultation platforms, telehealth services for behavioral counseling, and community-based support networks aimed at educating new owners. Such innovations could mitigate access barriers and promote sustained animal welfare despite fluctuating external circumstances, thus safeguarding both pet health and owner commitment.
Furthermore, the findings emphasize the necessity of proactive preparation among prospective pet owners, highlighting how the pandemic served as a stress test revealing areas where pet guardianship could be strengthened. Behavioral challenges, logistical obstructions to care, and the emotional demands placed on pet owners collectively contribute to a complex dynamic that requires multifaceted solutions. These findings resonate far beyond the pandemic, suggesting frameworks for improved pet acquisition strategies and veterinary healthcare accessibility in times of societal stress.
The study’s implications extend into public health dimensions as well. With millions of households engaged in pet parenting, the health and wellbeing of companion animals intersect profoundly with human mental health and community dynamics. As pets provide emotional stability and pleasure, ensuring their proper care forms an integral part of broader health initiatives. Accessibility to veterinary services, therefore, must be recognized as a foundational element supporting holistic health, particularly during disruptive global events.
In addition, the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic represents a remarkable cultural shift potentially influencing pet-related economics and service demand long after the crisis subsides. Veterinary clinics, pet supply industries, and training services are likely to face evolving client profiles shaped by newly minted pet owners’ experiences and expectations. Understanding these trends equips professionals and businesses to respond proactively, fostering improved outcomes for animal welfare and client satisfaction.
While the study focuses on the U.S., its conclusions carry global relevance. Many countries experienced similar pandemic dynamics concerning pet acquisition and care accessibility. The research thus stands as a call for international attention to build more adaptive, equitable, and supportive systems for pet welfare, recognizing the integral role of companion animals in human societies worldwide.
To conclude, the research spearheaded by Pasteur et al. presents a comprehensive snapshot of pandemic-era pet ownership, combining statistical rigor with empathetic insight into the challenges faced by pet owners. Their work underscores the necessity of robust support mechanisms addressing not only the acquisition but also the ongoing care of pets, especially under extraordinary circumstances. Developing these pathways promises to improve animal welfare, reduce owner stress, and prevent relinquishment, ultimately fostering healthier human-animal relationships for the future.
Subject of Research: Veterinary care access and pet acquisition trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
Article Title: Pet acquisition trends and veterinary care access in the US
News Publication Date: July 2, 2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325075
References: Bir C, Pasteur K, Widmar N, Croney C (2025) Pet acquisition trends and veterinary care access in the US. PLoS One 20(6): e0325075.
Image Credits: Nicholas Ng, Unsplash, CC0
Keywords: COVID-19, pet adoption, veterinary care access, pandemic, pet behavior, remote work, pet welfare, animal health, veterinary services, survey study
Tags: accessing veterinary services during crisischallenges for new pet ownersemotional support animals in isolationimpact of remote work on pet ownershippandemic-related pet ownership surgepet care during lockdownspet ownership trends during COVID-19social behaviors in pet acquisitionstudy on pet owners’ experiencessurge in pet adoption statisticsveterinary care access challengesveterinary health system vulnerabilities
