Soaring Vet Costs: What Guide Dog Users and Pet Owners Should Know

The cost of veterinary care is rising — and some pet owners are skipping visits because they simply can’t afford them.

A recent Investopedia article reported that veterinary visits declined by 2% to 3% in 2025. However, industry revenue still grew because clinics increased prices by 5% to 6% to make up for fewer visits.

For blind people who rely on guide dogs, or who have pets as companions, this trend matters.

Why Vet Costs Are Rising

According to analysts cited in the article:

• Veterinary practices have increasingly been bought by large corporate groups.
• Corporately owned clinics often use price increases to increase revenue.
• Household budgets are being squeezed by inflation and slower wage growth.

As a result, some families are delaying or skipping both routine and necessary care.

For pet owners, this can lead to bigger problems later — and potentially more expensive treatment.

Why This Matters for Guide Dog Users

For guide dog users, veterinary care is not optional. Your dog is your mobility partner.

If you are experiencing difficulty covering veterinary expenses, the first step is to contact your guide dog school.

Schools vary widely in what they provide:

• Some schools offer comprehensive veterinary support.
• Some assist only with major medical emergencies or expensive unexpected illnesses.
• Some provide little or no financial assistance.

Even if your school does not provide direct funding, they may:

• Recommend trusted veterinarians
• Suggest pet insurance plans that have worked well for other graduates
• Offer guidance on preventive care

Always start by asking.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance can help offset large or unexpected expenses.

However, coverage varies significantly. Some plans cover:

• Emergency surgery
• Illness treatment
• Diagnostic testing

Others may exclude pre-existing conditions or routine care.

If you are considering pet insurance:

• Compare policies carefully
• Understand deductibles and reimbursement limits
• Confirm what guide dog-related care is covered

Planning Ahead: A Financial Strategy

If school assistance and insurance are not enough, planning ahead becomes critical.

Look back at your veterinary expenses from the past few years. Calculate:

• Annual routine care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medications
• Unexpected treatments

Then create a plan to set aside money specifically for future veterinary costs.

Why an ABLE Account Can Help

An ABLE account can be an excellent place to hold funds for guide dog expenses.

Money saved in an ABLE account:

• Grows tax-advantaged
• Does not count against many public benefit limits
• Can be used for disability-related expenses

Guide dog costs often qualify as disability-related expenses because they directly support mobility and independence.

Setting aside even small monthly amounts can reduce financial stress when an emergency happens.

The Bigger Financial Picture

The decline in vet visits may signal that household budgets are tight across the country.

When inflation rises and wages lag behind, families are forced to make difficult decisions. For blind individuals who rely on guide dogs, skipping care is not an option.

Preparation is protection.

Penny Forward’s Bottom Line

Veterinary care is becoming more expensive, and many pet owners are feeling the pressure.

If you use a guide dog:

1. Contact your school to understand available assistance.
2. Evaluate pet insurance options carefully.
3. Track your historical veterinary expenses.
4. Set aside funds — ideally in an ABLE account.

Financial empowerment includes planning for the real costs of independence.

Your mobility partner deserves consistent care — and with preparation, you can reduce the financial strain.