Barriers to animal care in addition to cost: Veterinary college study

Pet and livestock owners can attest to the costs associated with their animals. It’s one of the things that may stand in the way of someone looking to add a pet to their family.

A new study out of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph (UofG) is looking into the barriers facing pet owners when it comes to accessing veterinary care and it turns out, it’s not just the costs.

Dr. Quinn Rausch, a postdoctoral research fellow in the OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies is leading the study and told 570 NewsRadio there are a host of things that could get in the way of someone seeking vet care. Some start well before a call is made to the clinic.

“First pet care takers need to recognize that their pet needs health care. Then they need to want to seek veterinary care. Know how to look for care and how to find care. And then, be able to reach that care they find, pay for the care and effectively work with the veterinary team to provide care.”

Rausch said any one of those steps could become a barrier.

One of the ways vet clinics are able to address some of those barriers is through online or telehealth style services. A client can call and get advice about what type of care the pet may need.

Rausch said when it comes to costs, clinics are always looking for ways to make it easier for clients to afford the care their pet needs.

“There are definitely lots of conversations going on about how to provide more financially accessible care. I would say that, it kind of depends on the specific clients needs so not all tools that we use to increase financial access to care are going to actually mitigate that barrier for individuals.

Rausch mentioned things like installment plans or free services for low income clients. Rausch also spoke about pet insurance as a way to help keep the costs of a surprise vet visit down.

Rausch also said that a poor experience with human health care could lead to an individual being hesitant to take their pet to a clinic. They say clinics can take certain steps to prepare staff for dealing with the various individuals and their needs.

“Have a diverse staff that represent the clientele they have. As well as training for staff on things like disability inclusion, trauma informed care, cultural humility, anti-racism and communication.”

Rausch said conversations with people who are facing barriers needs to continue to ensure measures are taken to eliminate those barriers.