Cost-of-Living Pressures Are Reshaping Pet Ownership in Australia

Rising living costs are having a tangible impact on pet ownership across Australia. According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 report, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people, 26% of prospective pet owners identify ongoing costs as the biggest barrier to getting a pet, up from 21% in 2022.

Even current pet owners are feeling the pinch. Over the past 12 months, 12% of pet owners required financial assistance to cover veterinary care, while those under financial stress are more likely to delay routine check-ups and vaccinations.

Implications for Veterinary Clinics

For veterinary practices, these trends have several important consequences:

• Fewer preventative visits – Routine care may be postponed or skipped altogether.

• Delayed vaccinations and treatments – Can lead to preventable illnesses and complications.

• Increased emergencies – More acute cases place additional stress on clinic staff.

• Reduced long-term client retention – If owners cannot maintain consistent care, they may disengage from the clinic over time.

The cumulative effect is higher pressure on veterinary teams, both in terms of workload and financial sustainability.

How Woofya Supports Clinics

Woofya provides an AI-powered solution designed to ease these challenges. By digitising aftercare and generating simple, personalised care plans, Woofya helps clinics:

• Improve adherence to treatments and follow-ups

• Increase engagement with pet owners, even when budgets are tight

• Demonstrate clear value to clients through easy-to-follow post-consult instructions

• Reduce staff stress by automating routine communications

These capabilities enable veterinary teams to maintain strong client relationships, support better pet health outcomes, and optimise clinic efficiency in a cost-of-living constrained environment.

📞 Learn how Woofya helps clinics boost efficiency.

Talk directly with our founding team: [email protected]