Lack of access to veterinary care due to cost is a leading cause of untreated animal suffering; pet insurance and low-cost veterinary services can bridge this gap.
Animals without access to veterinary care experience preventable suffering from untreated injuries, infections, and chronic conditions. Pain relief, dental treatment, and preventive healthcare are welfare priorities denied to many pets by economic barriers. Delayed presentation worsens outcomes and increases treatment costs. Pet insurance distributes cost and removes the financial barrier at the point of treatment. Social prescribing of pet insurance to low-income households has been piloted with positive outcomes.