The Heartful Vet

For years, the veterinary industry has been seen as recession-resistant, with pet ownership steadily growing and pets increasingly regarded as beloved family members. But recently, many veterinary clinics are experiencing a slowdown in appointments, revenue, and demand—and no one seems to be talking about it.

As inflation rises and economic uncertainty looms, pet owners are tightening their belts, and veterinary professionals are starting to feel the ripple effects. Let’s take a closer look at why clinics are slowing down, what’s causing this shift, and why the conversation around it feels so quiet.

What’s Happening in the Veterinary Industry?

Many clinics across Canada and beyond are noticing fewer routine appointments, slower days, and reduced demand for non-urgent services. While emergency care and critical cases remain steady, the number of wellness visits, elective surgeries, and other discretionary services appears to be declining.

This slowdown feels surprising to an industry that experienced unprecedented growth during the pandemic. Pet adoptions soared, clinics struggled to keep up with demand, and waitlists became the norm. But now, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction.

Why Are Veterinary Clinics Slowing Down?

1. The Rising Cost of Living

Inflation has hit households hard, with everything from groceries to rent becoming more expensive. As pet owners face mounting financial pressures, they’re prioritizing essential expenses over non-urgent veterinary care. Services like annual checkups, dental cleanings, and preventive treatments may be postponed or skipped altogether.

2. Post-Pandemic Adjustments

The surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic created a temporary boom for the veterinary industry. However, as life returns to normal, the pace of pet adoptions has slowed, and clinics are seeing fewer new patients.

3. Vet Care Is Not Immune to Inflation

Veterinary clinics are also grappling with rising costs. Medications, medical supplies, and even utilities have become more expensive, forcing clinics to raise prices to stay afloat. These price increases may inadvertently push cost-conscious clients away, further contributing to the slowdown.

4. Economic Uncertainty

With fears of a potential recession and job insecurity, many people are saving where they can. Veterinary care—while important—can feel like a negotiable expense when budgets are tight, especially for non-critical issues.

5. Pet Insurance and Financing Gaps

While pet insurance is growing in popularity, many pet owners still lack coverage or have plans with significant limitations. This means unexpected veterinary expenses can become unmanageable, leading to fewer visits and delayed care.

Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About It?

Despite the growing signs of a slowdown, the conversation feels absent within the veterinary community. Here’s why this issue might not be getting the attention it deserves:

• Stigma Around Struggle: Veterinary professionals may feel hesitant to speak openly about declining revenue or appointment numbers, fearing it reflects poorly on their clinic or leadership.

• A Focus on Burnout: Much of the industry’s focus has been on burnout and overwork—a genuine concern that dominated the pandemic years. It may feel counterintuitive to talk about slowing demand when staffing challenges remain top of mind.

• Varied Experiences: Not all clinics are affected equally. Some areas or types of practices (e.g., emergency care or specialty practices) may still be thriving, making the slowdown appear less universal.

• Hope for Recovery: Many clinics may see the slowdown as temporary and are hesitant to label it as a long-term trend.

What Does This Mean for Veterinary Professionals?

The slowdown presents both challenges and opportunities for clinics:

1. Financial Strain

Declining revenue can make it harder for clinics to cover rising operational costs, pay competitive wages, or invest in new equipment and services.

2. A Chance to Recalibrate

A quieter schedule can provide breathing room for teams that have been stretched too thin over the past few years. Clinics can use this time to focus on staff training, improving client communication, and optimizing operations.

3. Reevaluating Pricing and Services

The slowdown is a good opportunity to assess pricing structures, offer tiered services, or introduce financing options to make care more accessible.

4. Connecting with Clients

Building stronger relationships with clients can help bridge the gap during tough economic times. Educating pet owners about preventive care and offering payment flexibility may encourage them to keep coming back.

What Can We Do About It?

1. Start the Conversation

The first step to addressing the slowdown is acknowledging it. By opening up about the challenges we’re facing, we can work together as an industry to find solutions and support one another.

2. Focus on Value

Highlighting the value of veterinary care—both in terms of pet health and long-term cost savings—can help clients understand why investing in their pet’s well-being is worthwhile, even during tough times.

3. Advocate for Accessibility

Offering payment plans, promoting pet insurance, and partnering with charitable organizations can make veterinary care more accessible to clients who are struggling financially.

4. Embrace Change

From expanding telemedicine options to introducing wellness plans, clinics that adapt to changing client needs will be better positioned to weather the slowdown.

Looking Ahead

The current economic challenges are testing the veterinary industry, but they also present an opportunity for growth and resilience. By starting a transparent conversation about the slowdown and supporting one another, we can navigate this period of uncertainty and emerge stronger.

If you’re a veterinary professional or pet owner feeling the effects of this economic shift, remember—you’re not alone. Let’s keep talking, supporting, and finding solutions together.