Cost and lack of awareness: the challenges around vet consultations in India

New research by pet care startup Supertails of 400 Indian pet parents unveils the challenges surrounding veterinary consultations.

While 50% of Indian pet parents in big cities are inclined to use online vet consultations due to convenience and accessibility, less than 2 out of 10 respondents (16%) use teleconsultations.

30% of pet parents complained about challenges accessing veterinary services. Nearly half (48%) of respondents living in tier 1 cities and 36% living in tier 2 and 3 cities reported that cost of care is the major challenge in accessing veterinary care.

According to Supertails, India houses over 32 million pets but only has 5,000–7,000 companion animal veterinarians. This results in a ratio of just 1 vet per 5,000 pets.

Health care attitudes

The survey notes a gap in pet health awareness. The survey found that only around a third of dog and cat parents (35% and 32%) adhered to regular 3-month checkups.

Almost half of pet parents (49%) overlooked the need for regular deworming, and 41% occasionally forgot to ensure they vaccinated their pets at the right time.

Dermatological issues are the largest concern, with 51% of the pets reported to have been affected by skin and fur issues. 36% reported facing gastrointestinal challenges that prompted timely intervention from pet parents.