Sixty-six percent of U.S. households have pets and nearly all pet parents (96 percent) consider their pet to be part of their family. But so often, when it comes to preventive care, pet parents think more about human family members than their pets. Yet, preventive veterinary care is essential for maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of pets, allowing veterinarians to identify health conditions early and give pets the ability to live long, happy lives.
Research has found that the stronger a bond between a pet parent and their pet, the greater the participation in preventive care, with 71 percent of highly bonded dog owners and 61 percent of highly bonded cat owners taking their pets to the vet for annual check-ups. In addition, 78 percent of highly bonded dog owners and 64 percent of highly bonded cat owners ensure their pets receive their necessary vaccinations.
Investing in preventive care helps ensure our pets live their best lives, improves their bond with us and may lead to significant cost savings.
Health Benefits of Preventive Care
Annual veterinary check-ups are a cornerstone of preventive care, as they ensure pets are up to date on vaccinations and identify early risks for common diseases.
Scheduling routine check-ups allows pet parents to stay in contact with their vet regarding their pet’s health and creates a space for important discussions. Understanding and addressing all aspects of pet health will maximize the benefits of preventive care visits.
If not prevented, parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms can cause serious health issues. Poor oral hygiene can cause dental diseases. Unhealthy weight can lead to conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. By extending preventive care into the daily routine at home, pet parents can help keep their pet safe.
Financial Benefits of Preventive Care
Investing in preventive care can lead to substantial long-term cost savings. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by preventing or minimizing the occurrence of preventable diseases, injuries, and health issues, pet parents can lessen the cost of care over a pet’s lifetime. This is especially critical when 1 out of 4 pet parents say an unexpected expense of $250 or less is a financial issue that causes them stress, according to Synchrony’s Lifetime of Care research.
Not only can preventive care cut costs, but health and wellness credit cards like CareCredit help pet parents manage the cost of preventive care measures, providing flexibility for those seeking to stay on top of their pet’s health while maintaining their own finances.
Happy Pet Equals Happy Family
Knowing that their pets are receiving regular preventive care and wellness screenings can give pet parents peace of mind. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has found that 98 percent of pet parents reported at least one benefit to their own health including increased happiness and decreased stress.
By prioritizing our pets’ health, we not only enrich their lives but also nurture our own wellbeing. After all, a healthy pet makes for a happy pet parent, creating a joyful, balanced life for both.
Jonathan Wainberg is the SVP and General Manager, Pet and Co-Brand, Health and Wellness at Synchrony. Steven Feldman is the President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). During the week of September 9, 2024, HABRI and Synchrony are connecting with the pet care community at Pet Night on Capitol Hill to discuss shared goals of bringing awareness to the pet care industry and its challenges — including the veterinary talent pipeline, financial solutions for animal owners, and access to pet care — to legislators on Capitol Hill.
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