New research highlights concerns for pet health during Covid-19 pandemic
One in six UK cats and dogs were reported to have missed routine treatment, such as vaccinations, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey.
Between September 28th – October 9th 2020, a survey of 2,358 pet owners was commissioned by the global animal health association HealthforAnimals in partnership with leading animal health marketing and communications consultancy Pegasus, and revealed that safety fears around the risk of Covid-19 outside personal “social bubbles” was the main reason, despite a growing number of veterinarians offering remote consultations.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted health care for UK pets
More than one quarter (28%) of UK pet owners reported to have delayed or avoided contacting their practice during the pandemic. The main reason was the worry of virus transmission, with 30% of owners reporting that they did not want to be exposed to people outside of their social bubble. 14% stated that they were unsure of the safety precautions that had been implemented in their vet practice.
45% of owners reported that they had contacted their vet as normal, with 16% stating that they had allowed their pet to miss routine treatments such as vaccinations and flea and worming treatment.
Covid-19 safety in UK vet practices
75% of pet owners were able to name at least one new safety measure adopted by their practice, with owners mentioning social distancing and appropriate PPE being implemented in their practice. Only 1% of UK owners said their practice had not adopted Covid-19 safety measures.
Telemedicine tools were widely adopted and services were satisfied by UK pet owners
Almost half (48%) of owners said their vet had offered remote consultation, which was an increase from 16% before the pandemic. Of those that used remote consultations, 66% were satisfied with the service, and over half (57%) stated that they were willing to pay for remote services.
Majority of UK pet owners had no problem accessing animal medicines
65% of owners said they had not experienced any difficulty with accessing medicines, but for those who did, the main reasons were closure of practices and pharmacies, and owners being unable to collect medicines as a result of restrictions.
Covid-19 and pets
23% of owners cited concern about their dog or cat contracting Covid-19, although 53% of owners reported not hearing reports of dogs or cats developing coronavirus.
“These survey results reveal yet more worrying, secondary impacts of the pandemic, with pet owners reluctant to visit a veterinarian and animal health suffering as a result,” said Dr Simon Doherty, Senior Lecturer in Animal Health & Welfare, Queen’s University Belfast, and former President, British Veterinary Association.
“The reality is that veterinarians and veterinary services have been recognised as essential throughout the pandemic because animal health is a core element of public health. If pets are not receiving routine healthcare including vaccination, we could see an increase in preventable diseases and other health issues.”
Click here for the full global findings of the study.
Read more surveys on Covid-19 in the profession here.
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