- Many pet owners believe they understand every aspect of veterinary care, but a new global survey covering over 1,000 veterinarians across 51 countries reveals that the reality is far more complex than it appears on the surface.
- Veterinarians surveyed by species pointed out frequently overlooked tasks, including “identifying hidden health issues and pain” cited by companion animal and equine veterinarians (87% and 60%, respectively), and “ensuring food supply chain safety” and “disease surveillance” cited by livestock veterinarians (65% and 62%, respectively).
- Boehringer Ingelheim is working with veterinary association partners to focus on these survey findings, helping the public better understand this critical yet often overlooked work of veterinary care.
Ingelheim, GermanyMay 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boehringer Ingelheim today released the results of a new global survey, revealing the often-overlooked aspects of veterinary care that are crucial for protecting animals, people, and society.
The survey, covering 1,046 qualified veterinary professionals across 51 countries, identified the three most important yet most overlooked responsibilities in veterinary care:
- Identifying hidden health issues and pain (87% of companion animal veterinarians and 60% of equine veterinarians)
- Ensuring food supply chain safety (65% of livestock veterinarians)
- Curbing disease spread through surveillance programs (62% of livestock veterinarians)
These findings highlight the profound impact of veterinarians in daily life: they care for pets in more than half of households worldwide[1], and also safeguard the animals and animal-derived products that provide nutrition for 97% of the global population.[2],[3],[4]
“Every day, veterinarians make decisions with far-reaching implications that extend beyond the clinic, affecting not only the animals in their care, but also the people who love them, and the food systems and public health we all depend on,” said Claire Fowler, Global Head of Strategic Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Through this ‘Going Beyond’ survey, we are working with partners to highlight what many in animal health have long believed: the most critical parts of veterinary work are often the least visible.”
Expertise Behind Every Silent Decision
This often-unseen expertise stems from years of specialized training. Identifying health problems in animals and determining treatment plans requires deep knowledge, but this is not always obvious. Becoming a qualified veterinarian typically requires five to six years of university education, while specialists may need an additional four or more years of advanced training, meaning clinical decisions are built on over a decade of education and practical experience.[5] For dogs and cats, this expertise can mean the difference between early detection of diseases like diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and missing the window for effective treatment.
As pet owners’ expectations for animal health and welfare continue to rise[6],[7],[8], the value of veterinary professional judgment throughout the care process becomes increasingly evident—from prevention and early diagnosis to managing complex conditions. Yet, much of this work goes unnoticed by pet owners, with 87% of companion animal veterinarians identifying “identifying hidden health issues” as the most important yet most overlooked part of their job.
“Diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on a veterinarian’s professional training and experience. This layer of unseen expertise ensures that animals receive precise, effective, and life-saving care,” said Dr. Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Helping pet owners understand this expertise is key to building trust and partnership, and it also helps veterinary teams better support the long-term health of animals.”
The Invisible Power of Preventive Veterinary Care
Much of veterinary care is preventive in nature, with timely interventions and careful observation helping to address potential health issues before they worsen, thereby reducing the emotional and financial burden that owners might otherwise face over the long term.
However, in the survey of equine veterinarians, respondents identified the most important yet most overlooked tasks as “detecting hidden pain and early subtle signs of disease” (60%) and “predicting health risks by integrating the horse’s living environment and clinical history” (42%).
In practice, these tasks translate into personalized advice for horses, including diet management, dental and hoof care, vaccination, parasite control, and stable environment management, effectively reducing risks of conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory diseases.
“Much of the work equine veterinarians do goes unnoticed precisely because it is successful,” said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Veterinary Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Its impact is seen in problems being detected early, prevented successfully, or managed effectively before they escalate.”
A Key Force Safeguarding Food Systems and Public Health
Livestock veterinarians ensure the health of animals such as cattle, pigs, and poultry, playing a direct and vital role in the food sources people depend on, supporting approximately 34% of the world’s edible protein supply.[9]
They are also crucial for public health: 60% of human infectious diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans[10], and 70% of emerging diseases originate from animals.[11]
Despite this, livestock veterinarians believe the broad impact of their work is not fully recognized. The survey showed that the responsibilities livestock veterinarians consider most overlooked by the public include “ensuring food supply chain safety” (65%) and “curbing disease spread through surveillance” (62%).
“Livestock veterinarians are guardians of the food supply and the first line of defense against zoonotic diseases. The public relies on them but knows little about their work,” said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “Recognizing this role is not just about professional pride; it is about whether we can attract, retain, and support a veterinary workforce that is increasingly critical to global food security and public health.”
Supported by Leading Veterinary Associations
Supported by Leading Veterinary Associations