Is TikTok ruining your pet’s diet? What vets wish you knew
Key takeaways
- According to the Future of Pets Report 2026, almost 3 quarters of vets (72%) have noticed pet owners are relying on social media for nutrition advice for their pet.
- 63% of respondents admitted to not having pet insurance.
- What's next: To keep your pet covered in almost every scenario, consider taking out pet insurance.
From DIY project tutorials to restaurant recommendations, social media can be a trove for the average user.
However, a recent report has revealed that 72% of vets believe pet owners are turning to social media as a guide for their furry friend's nutrition.
Meanwhile, only 5% of pet owners admitted to trusting pet card advice on social media.
"Veterinarians are trained to put science, evidence and the pet first. Yet that expertise is now competing with 60 second videos from unqualified influencers," said Senior Veterinarian at Royal Canin Dr Annabel Robertson.
"The data is clear, owners don't think they're being influenced, yet vets are seeing the impact every day."
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Veterinary care feeling more out of reach for pet owners
The Future of Pets Report 2026 also looked at how owners felt about the cost of veterinary care.
Around 78% of respondents felt veterinary care could become unaffordable, while 63% said they did not have pet insurance, suggesting many pet owners may underestimate the financial protection insurance can provide.
According to several veterinarians, a lack of financial security is impacting decision making, with 51% of vets claiming between a quarter and half of recommended treatments were being declined because of cost.
For households struggling to find the funds, this could mean having to say goodbye to their best mate.
As vet bills continue to rise, don't wait until it's too late to get your pet covered
Whether you've just brought home a new puppy or never got around to checking out pet insurance, take this as your sign to start comparing pet insurance policies.
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents, illnesses and specialist treatments, so you're never forced to choose between your pet's health and your hip pocket.
And right now, you could score a $125 gift card from Finder just by signing up to an eligible Medibank pet insurance policy, so it's a win-win!
And if you sign up before 14 July, you could also unlock 2 months free on your new policy using the promo code RVG2FREE.
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