75 Million Americans Are Skipping Vet Visits Because of Cost — Here's How to Get Your Dog the Care They Need

If you've ever winced at a vet bill, you're not alone — not even close. A sweeping new report released this week reveals that an estimated 75 million Americans have skipped or declined veterinary care for their pets due to cost or access barriers. And the consequences are far more serious than most people realize.

The 2026 Pet Care Gap Report, published by veterinary telemedicine provider Dutch in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski, paints a stark picture of a growing crisis at the intersection of pet ownership, rising costs, and a nationwide shortage of veterinarians.

For the millions of dog owners who consider their pups full-fledged family members, the findings are a wake-up call — and a reminder that getting your dog quality care doesn't always have to mean choosing between your wallet and their health.

The Numbers Are Staggering

Between 2019 and early 2025, cumulative veterinary care inflation hit 44 percent — nearly double the overall national inflation rate of 26 percent over the same period, according to the report. As of January 2026, veterinary services are leading all pet industry segments in year-over-year price increases at 7.4 percent, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Pet Business Professor's petflation tracker.

What does that look like in real dollars? The average annual cost of veterinary care for a single pet now hovers around $3,000. Over a lifetime, a typical two-pet household can expect to spend between $30,000 and $60,000 on veterinary expenses alone.

Those numbers are forcing painful decisions. According to a separate PetSmart Charities–Gallup study, 52 percent of U.S. pet parents have either skipped or declined necessary veterinary care — and seven in ten of those who declined cite cost as the primary reason.

Perhaps most alarming: even among pet parents earning $90,000 or more, a third have skipped vet care because they couldn't afford it. This isn't just a low-income problem. It's an everyone problem.

What Happens When Dogs Don't Get Care

The consequences of delayed or skipped veterinary visits can be devastating. According to the Dutch report, 46 percent of pets whose treatment was postponed experienced worsening conditions, required emergency intervention, were surrendered to shelters, or died.

The PetSmart Charities study found that 14 percent of pet parents who skipped care reported their pet's condition worsened or the pet died as a result. And 30 percent of all pet parents surveyed said they know a friend or family member who lost a pet because they simply couldn't afford the necessary treatment.

"Small medical issues are transforming into severe emergencies," the Dutch report warns. Conditions that could be managed with a $200 office visit and a course of medication can snowball into $5,000 emergency surgeries when left untreated.

For dogs, the most commonly delayed treatments include dental cleanings, skin and ear infections, limping or joint issues, and annual wellness exams — all conditions where early intervention makes an enormous difference in outcomes and cost.

The Vet Shortage Is Making Things Worse

Cost isn't the only barrier. A staggering 129 million Americans — roughly one-third of the country — live in what researchers call "vet care deserts," areas with severely limited access to veterinary services, according to Dutch's State of Online Veterinary Care Report.

The top five states suffering most from vet care deserts are California, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and New York. And in 22 percent of U.S. counties, there are zero veterinarians per 1,000 households.

The problem is compounded by a burnout crisis within the profession. Veterinarians face among the highest rates of burnout and suicidality of any profession, leading many to leave clinical practice altogether — further shrinking the pool of available providers.

"When you combine rising costs with declining access, you get a perfect storm," said Dutch CEO Joe Spector in the report. "Pet parents are getting squeezed from both sides."

The Industry Is Starting to Respond

The good news? The veterinary industry is beginning to recognize — and address — the crisis.

This week, Chewy announced it is acquiring Modern Animal, a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics and 24/7 virtual care, for a deal expected to add over $125 million in annualized revenue. The acquisition signals a major push toward integrated, more accessible pet healthcare — combining online pharmacy and food delivery with in-person and virtual vet services under one roof.

Meanwhile, legislative victories in states like Arizona, California, Florida, and Washington (where Governor Ferguson recently signed a bill expanding veterinary telemedicine access) are making it easier for pet owners to access virtual vet care without first establishing an in-person relationship.

Olympic champion Tara Lipinski, who partnered with Dutch to raise awareness of the pet care gap, emphasized the personal stakes. As a devoted pet parent herself, Lipinski has been vocal about the financial and emotional toll of ensuring pets get the care they deserve.

6 Ways to Get Your Dog Affordable Vet Care Right Now

If you're feeling the squeeze, you're not stuck. Here are practical steps every dog owner can take today:

1. Try Veterinary Telehealth

Virtual vet visits typically cost between $50 and $75 — a fraction of in-person visits. Providers like Dutch, Vetster, and TelaVets connect you with licensed veterinarians who can diagnose many common conditions, prescribe medications, and provide guidance on whether an in-person visit is truly necessary. According to Dutch, 90 percent of vet care can be handled online, and pet owners save an average of $700 per year with telehealth.

2. Look Into Low-Cost Clinics

Many communities have low-cost veterinary clinics run by nonprofits, shelters, and veterinary schools. Organizations like the ASPCA and local humane societies frequently offer vaccine clinics, spay/neuter services, and basic wellness checkups at reduced rates. Your local shelter's website is a great starting point.

3. Ask About Payment Plans

Here's a shocking stat from the PetSmart Charities study: 73 percent of pet parents who declined care due to cost say their veterinarian never offered a more affordable alternative. And fewer than one in four recall ever being offered a payment plan. Don't be afraid to ask — many clinics work with services like Scratchpay or CareCredit that offer interest-free financing.

4. Invest in Pet Insurance (Before You Need It)

Pet insurance works best when you enroll your dog while they're young and healthy. Plans from providers like Trupanion, Lemonade, and Healthy Paws can significantly reduce the sting of unexpected emergencies. Some plans now include telehealth coverage, which can make virtual visits virtually free.

5. Don't Skip Preventive Care

It sounds counterintuitive when money is tight, but skipping your dog's annual wellness exam is often the most expensive decision you can make. Catching a dental issue, a developing heart murmur, or early-stage arthritis at a routine checkup costs a fraction of what emergency treatment costs later. Prevention is always cheaper than crisis.

6. Use Prescription Discount Programs

If your dog takes ongoing medication, compare prices. Online pharmacies like Chewy's pharmacy, 1-800-PetMeds, and even Costco often offer significant savings over in-clinic dispensing. Some manufacturers also offer rebates and loyalty programs for common medications like flea and tick preventatives.

The Bottom Line

The pet care gap isn't an abstract policy issue — it's a daily reality for tens of millions of American dog owners who are making impossible choices between their finances and their best friend's health. The 2026 data makes clear that this crisis is getting worse, not better.

But it's also a moment of opportunity. Telehealth is expanding access. Major companies are investing in more affordable care models. And pet owners are getting smarter about finding resources that didn't exist even five years ago.

Your dog can't advocate for themselves at the vet's office — but you can. Whether it's a virtual consultation, a low-cost clinic, or simply asking your vet about a payment plan, there's almost always a path to getting your pup the care they need.

At Sidewalk Dog, we believe every dog deserves great care — and every dog owner deserves to know their options. Explore our city guides to find dog-friendly resources, low-cost clinics, and community support near you.