Author: Suzanne Cannon, M.S., M.A.

What began as a quick errand to Walmart turned into an unexpected, meaningful encounter with a woman whose story sheds light on the quiet shame many pet owners feel when they can’t afford veterinary care. As she shared her experiences of loss, grief, and the financial burden of emergency vet bills, I was reminded of how often pride and shame keep pet owners from seeking the help they need. This encounter speaks to the broader issue of making veterinary care more affordable for all, so that no one has to suffer in silence…especially our pets.

In recognition of the growing challenges many pet owners face in accessing necessary veterinary care, in 2023 VetBilling spearheaded the creation of Access to Veterinary Care Awareness Day, which takes place on May 10. This initiative underscores a critical and worsening issue—declining access to veterinary services for numerous pets and their families due to financial, geographical, and cultural barriers. VetBilling believes in actively addressing these challenges to better the lives of pets, pet parents, and the veterinary teams that care for them.