Paws-ing their care: 1 in 4 pet owners delaying vet visits
Key takeaways
- 1.9 million people have delayed vet care for financial reasons.
- There's a difference of more than $1,100 a year between the cheapest and most expensive pet insurance policy.
- Preparing ahead of time can make all the difference.
Millions of Australians are putting off taking their pets to the vet because they simply can't afford it, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 602 Australian pet owners revealed 1 in 4 (25%) – equivalent to 1.9 million people – admit they have delayed veterinary treatment for financial reasons.
Ceyda Erem, insurance expert at Finder, said rising veterinary costs are leaving many Australians facing heartbreaking decisions.
"Pets are often part of the family, but when money is tight, vet care can become an expense people simply can't afford.
"No pet owner wants to delay treatment, yet millions are finding themselves forced to weigh up their bank balance against their pet's health."
Erem said delaying treatment can make both the medical problem and the bill much worse.
"A small issue caught early can often be treated quickly and relatively cheaply, but waiting can cause conditions to deteriorate, leading to more complex treatment and significantly higher costs.
"The longer a health problem is left untreated, the greater the risk of complications, pain and expensive emergency care."
Finder analysis shows there's a difference of more than $1,100 a year between the cheapest and most expensive pet insurance policy.
The average pet insurance premium in Australia is around $1,200 a year for dogs and about $600 for cats.
Erem said pet owners should have a plan before an unexpected illness or injury strikes.
"Whether it's building a dedicated emergency fund or taking out pet insurance, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference when your pet suddenly needs treatment.
"The worst time to work out how you'll pay a vet bill is when your furry friend is already sick or injured."
Have you put off vet care for pets for financial reasons?
| Yes | 25% |
| No | 75% |
| Source: Finder survey of 602 Australians with pets, July 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
Ask a question