Over 90% trust and appreciate veterinary teams – but many underestimate the demands of the profession
24 April 2025
As we approach World Veterinary Day (April 26, 2025), Boehringer Ingelheim proudly unveils new 2025 survey results that highlight animal owners’ appreciation for the vital role veterinarians play in animal health and community wellbeing. The global survey of 1,200 animal owners, conducted in partnership with research institute Kynetec across six countries, including the UK, builds on a 2024 survey carried out with veterinarians. This is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond campaign, which seeks to put a spotlight on aspects of veterinary work that too often remain unseen and under recognised.
“We are thrilled to join forces with our Going Beyond campaign partners to honour veterinary teams around the world. Their dedication – whether as animal health experts, researchers or public health experts – is truly invaluable,” said Alessandro Torre, Head of Animal Health UK & Ireland at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The 2025 Going Beyond survey revealed several findings, which contrast significantly with perceptions shared in the 2024 survey of veterinarians. 1,2
Perceptions around appreciation (UK data)
• The 2025 survey revealed that 92% of animal owners appreciate the veterinary profession, with the same percentage recognising the essential/important role veterinary teams play in society.1 By comparison, only 41% of veterinarians last year said animal owners appreciate the veterinary profession.2
• In addition, 92% of animal owners this year said they appreciate the level of care provided by their veterinary teams.1 In 2024, a lower percentage (79%) of veterinarians said animal owners appreciate the level of care they provide.2
President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), Julian Hoad, said: “The Going Beyond survey has shown the very high regard that the public hold for veterinary professionals. That high regard has to be constantly earned, however, and we must not rest on our laurels. As ambassadors and custodians of animal and public health we must constantly strive to do our very best for the animals under our care.”
Views on work-life balance and stress (UK data)
• Among animal owners surveyed, 48% said veterinarians have a good work-life balance. In 2024, 59% of veterinarians said animal owners underappreciate that vets trade off their work-life balance to help animals.2
• In addition, 69% of animal owners felt veterinarians need a high level of resilience to manage stress and emotional exhaustion.1 This figure was significantly lower than when asked the same question about other essential professions, including doctors, police officers and firefighters. In 2024, 65% of veterinarians said animal owners underappreciate their resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion.2
“Veterinary teams are on the front lines of animal health and well-being, but the physical and emotional challenges of the profession often go unrecognised,” said Dr Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “To protect this essential profession, the public must do more to acknowledge the commitment and long hours veterinary teams dedicate to ensure the wellbeing of the animals in their care.”
‘Guess Who?’ video highlights common misunderstandings
In addition to the survey data, Boehringer has also released a thought-provoking video asking genuine animal owners to guess what type of professional meets the description of a range of compelling job responsibilities and characteristics. The video captures their reactions as they learn that the job in question is a veterinary professional.
“Animal owners deeply value their veterinary teams, and we believe that if they were aware of the challenges veterinarians face, they would want to support them more,” said Alessandro Torre, Head of Animal Health UK & Ireland at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We hope the Going Beyond campaign helps veterinary professionals feel more appreciated for their work. Simple gestures, such as expressing thanks in person, over the phone, email or social media can make a huge difference in keeping veterinary teams motivated, and engaged,” added Alessandro.
Going Beyond campaign
The Going Beyond campaign, developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, in cooperation with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the World Small Animal Vet Association, the World Association for Buiatrics, VetFamily, and other leading organisations, to showcase the boundless dedication, resilience, and passion of veterinarians who care for animals in often challenging circumstances.
Survey details
The global survey by market research institute Kynetec was conducted in February and March 2025. It included 1,200 animal owners, from the U.K., (200), the U.S., (200), Brazil (200), China (200), France (200) and Germany (200). The survey scope included animal owners who owned a dog (71%), a cat (60%), a horse (2%) farm animals (2%) and/or any other animal (20%).1 The first global survey was launched for World Veterinary Day 2024.
1 Data on file. Going Beyond Global Survey 2025 by Boehringer Ingelheim and Kynetec
2 Data on file. Going Beyond Global Survey 2024 by Boehringer Ingelheim and Kynetec