Source: Catalyst Council
The CATalyst Council’s new white paper argues that U.S. Veterinary practices should expect little or no growth in clinical visits through 2030, challenging the industry’s assumption of an annual 2% to 3% increase. The report attributes five consecutive years of declining visits to changing pet demographics, particularly a sharp decline in new puppy visits following the pandemic. Puppy visits are now about 38% below pre-pandemic levels, while kitten visits remain 8% to 10% above baseline, creating what the authors call the “Puppocalypse” and “Kitten Craze.”
Because pet visit patterns remain consistent throughout an animal’s life, smaller puppy cohorts are expected to suppress future demand. The analysis forecasts combined visit growth of between -2% and 0% through 2030. While rising feline visits provide some offset, dogs still account for most Veterinary visits. The report encourages practices to focus on expanding feline care and increasing visits among existing patients to drive organic growth.