European households are confronting a significant economic shift in pet ownership, as the cost of veterinary services has surged dramatically, consistently outpacing general inflation across the continent. This escalating financial burden is reshaping pet care dynamics, from adoption trends to the structural evolution of the veterinary industry, creating a complex challenge for both pet owners and animal welfare organizations.
According to Eurostat’s harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), the cost of veterinary care and related services has climbed by over 30% in the eurozone and nearly 37% across the entire European Union since 2015. This acceleration in pet-related expenses significantly outstrips the general EU inflation rate of 30% over the same period, underscoring a growing financial strain on pet owners.
The impact of these rising costs has been particularly acute in Central and Eastern Europe. Data reveals a staggering increase in veterinary expenses since 2015, with Hungary experiencing a 116% rise and Poland an 85% increase. Slovakia and Bulgaria also recorded substantial jumps, with costs escalating by 84% and 64% respectively, reflecting significant regional disparities in pet care affordability.
A primary driver behind this surge in demand and subsequent price increases is the unprecedented boom in pet ownership observed during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and increased time at home led many to adopt pets in record numbers. The European Pet Industry Federation (FEDIAF) estimates that 139 million, or 49%, of European households now own a pet, with dogs and cats remaining the most popular companions. For instance, the UK alone accounts for an estimated 11.7 million pet dogs, while Germany leads in cat ownership with 15.7 million felines.
- Veterinary service costs in the EU have increased by over 37% since 2015, significantly exceeding general inflation.
- Central and Eastern European nations like Hungary (+116%) and Poland (+85%) face the most severe price hikes.
- The surge in costs is largely attributed to a post-pandemic boom in pet ownership.
- Currently, 49% of European households own a pet, with dogs and cats being the most common.
The Corporatisation of Veterinary Care
Concurrently, the structure of the veterinary care sector itself is undergoing a significant transformation. A 2024 study published in the Veterinary Sciences journal highlights the “corporatisation of veterinary care” as a key trend impacting companion animal services across Europe. The study indicates a notable shift from independent clinics to corporate-owned practices, with 16% of veterinarians now working in corporate settings, compared to 51% in independent ones. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger professionals, with 43% of respondents under 35 years and 57% under 40 years employed by corporate entities, signalling a generational shift within the profession.
While corporatisation can offer benefits such as more structured career pathways and economies of scale, it also raises substantial concerns. The study points to issues like rising prices for services, diminished autonomy for individual veterinarians, and potential risks to market competition. These concerns have already prompted scrutiny from regulatory bodies, including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, which is examining the market’s evolving dynamics.
Spike in Pet Abandonment Rates
A grave consequence of these converging factors – soaring costs and the rapid increase in pet ownership during the pandemic – is a alarming spike in pet abandonment rates across European nations. The German Animal Welfare Federation, for example, conducted a country-wide survey revealing that 69% of animal shelters are operating at capacity, with 49% full or even overcrowded. Only 18% retain the capacity to accept new animals. Thomas Schroeder, head of the German Animal Welfare Federation, noted that “The number of people wanting to get rid of their animals seems to be higher than ever before. The animal shelters are overloaded and can no longer take care of every animal in need.”
This trend is not isolated to Germany. In Spain, an estimated 300,000 dogs were abandoned in 2024, despite existing chipping and sterilisation regulations designed to curb such occurrences. Similarly, France faces an annual abandonment challenge, with figures ranging between 100,000 and 200,000 pets being abandoned each year. These statistics underscore a growing animal welfare crisis exacerbated by the economic pressures on pet owners and the structural changes within the veterinary industry.
David Thompson earned his MBA from the Wharton School and spent five years managing multi-million-dollar portfolios at a leading asset management firm. He now applies that hands-on investment expertise to his writing, offering practical strategies on portfolio diversification, risk management, and long-term wealth building.