Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science on May 26, 2022, the study by **Sara C. Owczarczak-Garstecka** and colleagues used a mixed-methods approach to analyze data from 719 UK dog owners during the height of the pandemic. The study specifically focused on how care-seeking behavior changed for dogs with chronic health issues.
Major barriers included lack of access to veterinarians (reported by 30% of respondents), and owners’ discomfort with their dogs attending clinics unaccompanied (20%). These issues were compounded by delays in diagnostics and reduced availability of complementary treatments.
Quantitative data revealed that dogs with chronic conditions were significantly less likely to be taken for veterinary care during the pandemic. Qualitative feedback showed that owners believed their pets’ welfare suffered due to missed consultations and fragmented care. Emotional distress caused by separation during veterinary visits was a recurring concern, even in end-of-life care scenarios.
Factors that increased the likelihood of care-seeking included a strong dog-owner bond, confidence in veterinary decisions, and the perception of veterinary care as beneficial. However, pandemic conditions often overrode these factors, particularly for non-emergency health needs.
The study concludes that **future interventions must support both psychological and structural factors**—promoting owner confidence while ensuring clinics remain accessible even during health crises. The researchers emphasized avoiding dog-owner separation in clinical settings, which they found to negatively impact decision-making and outcomes.
Source: Owczarczak-Garstecka, S. C., Furtado, T., Graham, T. M., Lloyd, I., Singleton, D., Wallis, L. J., & Westgarth, C. (2022). Impacts of COVID-19 on Owner’s Veterinary Healthcare Seeking Behavior for Dogs With Chronic Conditions: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study With a Convenience Sample. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.878794
