I thought I’d cover a topic that won’t lead to nuclear debate like so many Veterinary issues, most recently the mid-level practitioner known as VPA that was officially approved by Colorado voters and in the process (awkwardly) of being implemented. What’s my topic? Removing barriers to pet ownership in the United States. Who wouldn’t support this (other than certain fringe organizations)?
Pet ownership is impressive in the United States and sustains the growth of all corners of the pet economy. But dog ownership levels have hit a plateau with only modest growth of late, while cat ownership is on the march. A slowdown in dog ownership might cause a reader to speculate that the human-animal bond has hit a wall in America, but rest assured that’s not the case. In fact, we are poised for sustained growth for decades absent a few challenges we’ll discuss.
The best news is that Millennials and Gen Z’s own more than half of pets in the United States and they aren’t done. They grew up with pets and have made it clear as they cross the adult threshold that pets are indispensable in their lives. That is if they can overcome barriers to pet ownership. And if these two generations are sold on pets what do you suppose their children and grandchildren will think? The human-animal bond is a medical fact, and people aren’t going to turn their back on pets and trade them in for a skateboard or hula hoop (I threw that in for Baby Boomers). But we must remove the barriers to pet ownership if we want current and future generations to enjoy pet ownership to the fullest.
There are three barriers to pet ownership we should address, and by “address” I mean find ways to take up the cause and make a difference. The first is lack of pet-friendly housing. The second is cost and availability of Veterinary care. The third is the limited supply of pet-friendly workplaces.
Pet-friendly Housing
This is the #1 challenge and it comes in different shapes:
- Apartments or rental properties that don’t allow pets whatsoever.
- Apartments or rental properties with a limit on # of dogs.
- Apartments with a weight limit on allowable dogs, generally 25 pounds or less. This is why shelters now have such a high percentage of big dogs.
- Pet deposits that are not affordable at apartments or rental properties.
- Inability of Millennials and Gen Z’s to find houses/condos they can afford to buy…which would allow them to enjoy pet ownership to the fullest.
The limited supply of affordable single family homes is beyond our reach, but our Animal Policy Group is working on initiatives for the American Pet Products Association (APPA) to address the other housing issues at the local and state government levels. We’ve had success addressing pet deposits for low income households in two major cities so far and are close to the finishing line in one state with key incentives for low income apartments. These are models we plan to expand to other cities and states and there are plenty of ways organizations can help. Independence Pet Holdings already has joined the cause. If you or your company is interested reach out to me at mark@animalpolicygroup.com.
Cost of Care/Access to Care
These are the tough issues stirring up so much debate in the Veterinary space, and groups continue to claim that there are no shortages or challenges in accessing pet healthcare. Those who feel otherwise understand we need more caregivers (veterinarians and others), more appointment options, and more ways for lower-income Americans to access care. Pet owners are relinquishing pets every day across the country because they cannot provide the care needed. Most if not all options to address this issue are opposed by major trade organizations, so we’ll see how this shakes out. But it’s a fact that legislatures and voters are supporting initiatives to make access to care easier and more affordable.
Workplace Restrictions
This is less of a policy issue and more a question of whether employers will join the ranks of many organizations willing to offer remote/hybrid options allowing pet owners to work from home at least part of the week to reduce the cost of dog daycare or dogsitters, or offer controlled options for pet owners to bring their dogs to work with all manner of guardrails. Surveys such as the HABRI/Nationwide study a few years ago demonstrated how this enriches rather than harms a workplace. But the cause of dog-friendly workplaces seems to have lost its steam. We have anecdotal evidence only about pet owners who acquired dogs during COVID and struggle mightily with challenges now from employers requiring in-office attendance. There are limited to no options for dog care for many of these pet owners, especially younger ones, and this has led to relinquishments. This isn’t an issue of a legal right to dog care or to a remote work option, but a question of employers being open to consider the two alternatives identified above. One avenue to explore is public agencies being willing to serve as pilots to demonstrate to the community how dog-friendly workplaces operate. We are exploring such an approach.
My goal with today’s column was to introduce a few issues and opportunities for readers to chew on and consider helping to advance. Let me know if you want to get involved or have ideas.