The cost of veterinary care: recent media coverage

This week, the AVA responded to media reports, including a recent Sydney Morning Herald/The Age article, on the cost of veterinary care. The AVA welcomes discussion about the value of veterinary services and is committed to supporting trust between vets and clients. Member resources are available to help vets navigate these conversations. 

Member resources 

The cost of veterinary care – putting it in perspective 

Veterinary Services: High Standards Without Public Funding – May 2025 Media Release 

Veterinary care is only a small part of overall pet care costs 

Contrary to the perception that vet bills make up the largest share of animal care expenses, data shows otherwise. According to the 2022 Pets in Australia report by Animal Medicines Australia, veterinary care accounts for less than one-fifth (14%) of pet care spending, behind pet food, grooming, accessories, and other services. 

This proportion has remained consistent over time, despite growing costs in areas like insurance premiums, advanced diagnostic tools, and the rising cost of medications and consumables, all of which have also impacted human healthcare. 

Pet owners pay 100% of vet care costs, unlike human health, which is largely government funded 

Australians enjoy one of the world’s best publicly funded health care systems. In 2022–23, individuals directly paid only about 15.4% of their own healthcare costs, and governments funded over 70% of all human healthcare expenditure, including Medicare, the PBS, and public hospitals, with the remaining costs covered by non-government private funding.  

In contrast, there is no government funding for veterinary services. Pet owners bear 100% of the costs of care. This means that comparing the cost of veterinary services to human health care is not a like-for-like comparison. 

Veterinary professionals provide high-value, highly skilled care 

Veterinarians are highly trained professionals, offering services across general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, dentistry, dermatology, oncology, and more. Many clinics are equipped with advanced medical equipment and diagnostics similar to human hospitals, all without government funding or subsidies. 

Veterinary clinics operate 24/7 emergency services in many locations, ensuring essential and immediate care for critically ill or injured animals. These services are expensive to maintain and staff. 

Penetration of Pet Insurance in Australia is low 

In Australia, approximately 17% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners have pet insurance (Down from 30% and 21% in 2019 respectively). Where pet owners have insurance, they will often access a wider range of treatment options, allowing more animals to receive lifesaving care that improves their quality of life.   

Advocating for Accessible, Affordable, and Sustainable Veterinary Care 

The AVA is committed to improving public access to veterinary care while ensuring the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of the veterinary workforce. Accessibility relies not only on affordability but also on the availability of skilled professionals, especially in rural and regional communities. 

A key but often overlooked factor affecting the cost and accessibility of care is the national shortage of veterinarians. The profession is under increasing pressure from rising pet ownership, long working hours, and the emotional demands of the job. These challenges impact not only the individuals within the profession but also the communities they serve. 

To address these issues, the AVA is actively advocating for: 

• Greater public and private investment in animal health, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities 

• Government support for workforce planning, rural retention programs, and graduate transition initiatives 

• Improved veterinary mental health and wellbeing support through initiatives like the AVA’s THRIVE program 

• Fair remuneration, safe workloads, and sustainable career pathways across all sectors of veterinary practice 

• Enhanced pet insurance literacy and transparency to support informed decision-making by pet owners 

• Recognition of the essential role veterinarians play in public health, animal welfare, and community wellbeing 

We also encourage pet owners to have open conversations with their veterinarians about treatment options, costs, and preventive care. Veterinarians are committed to helping clients understand their choices and will work with them to find solutions that fit their circumstances. 

Supporting the people who care for our animals is essential to ensuring veterinary care remains accessible, affordable, and sustainable into the future.