Chart of the Month: Knowing Your Client Base

The April 2026 “Chart of the Month” from the American Veterinary Medical Association highlights how housing patterns shape Veterinary client behavior and practice strategy. Using data from the 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographics Survey, it shows that most U.S. dog (65.6%) and cat (60.4%) owners are homeowners, while a significant portion rent. Dog owners are more likely to live in houses, whereas cat owners more often reside in apartments or condos.

These differences have practical implications. Homeowners tend to be more stable and are more likely to become long-term, loyal clients. Renters, who are often more mobile, may lead to higher client turnover, requiring practices to invest more in outreach and relationship-building to maintain continuity of care.

Understanding local housing trends helps clinics tailor marketing, anticipate client needs, and plan staffing and growth. By aligning strategies with community demographics, Veterinary practices can improve client retention, service delivery, and overall business performance.