Modern veterinary medicine now offers advanced treatments such as blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and MRI scans, once reserved for humans. Corr and colleagues (2024) surveyed cat and dog owners in the UK, Austria, and Denmark to understand their attitudes towards advanced veterinary care (AVC) and the factors shaping these views.
Results showed that 58.4% of respondents believed pets should have access to the same treatment options as humans, while 51.5% supported equal access to diagnostic tests. Owners were divided on whether AVC has “gone too far,” with nearly half (45.3%) remaining neutral, while 40.1% disagreed that such care was “unnecessary.”
Across all three countries, the strength of emotional attachment, measured by the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS), was the most consistent predictor of positive attitudes toward advanced care. Owners with higher attachment scores were more likely to expect AVC to be available. In contrast, factors such as income, living arrangements, or possession of pet insurance had less consistent influence.
The study highlights a potential ethical tension: while advanced care can prolong pets’ lives, it may also reduce their quality of life and increase owner stress due to financial and emotional burdens. These findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians navigating treatment discussions with deeply attached pet owners.
Source: Corr, S., Lund, T., Sandøe, P., & Springer, S. (2024). Cat and dog owners’ expectations and attitudes towards advanced veterinary care (AVC) in the UK, Austria and Denmark. PLOS ONE, 19.
