The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), in partnership with Chewy Health, released research on pet ownership challenges and technology adoption. The Pet Health Challenges Study surveyed over 2,000 U.S. dog and cat owners in February 2025.
The study found that 97% of pet owners consider their pet a family member and 77% say their pet is their best friend. Additionally, 90% of pet owners reported their pets have helped improve their mental or physical health.
Despite strong bonds, 74% of pet owners found at least one aspect of pet care "very" or "extremely" challenging. The research identified seven core challenge areas: Emotional Toll of Leaving Pets Alone, Vet/Health Care, Quality of Life, Pet Behavior, Pet-Inclusive Housing, Affording Care & Services, and Traveling with Pets.
"This research opens up a host of opportunities for veterinary teams to connect more deeply with pet owners," said Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health. "At Chewy Health, we're committed to giving veterinary professionals the tools they need to deliver more tech-forward, personalized care that helps pet owners feel confident, supported, and empowered throughout the pet health journey."
Communication channels and veterinary satisfaction
Satisfaction with veterinary care increased when multiple communication options were available, particularly in-person visits (82%) and phone calls (75%). Clients with the highest satisfaction had veterinarians who used technology to add a third communication mode, including email, texting, apps and telehealth.
The emotional toll of leaving a pet behind ranked as the number one challenge across all demographics. Affording quality veterinary care ranked as the second overall challenge, disproportionately impacting younger, lower-income, and multi-pet households. Thirty-five percent of households earning under $60,000 and 34% of multi-pet owners cited veterinary costs as a top concern.
Pet owners with the strongest human-animal bonds showed significantly higher likelihood to adopt technology solutions. Willingness to adopt tech solutions increased from 24% among "strong bond" pet owners to over 50% among those with the "strongest bonds." Pet owners expressed the most willingness to adopt technology focused on affording (45%), finding (44%), and managing (43%) veterinary care.
Younger demographics drive technology adoption
Younger pet owners, especially Gen Z, reported the highest levels of care-related stress and use an average of 3.6 pet health tools. They expressed interest in solutions including symptom checkers, smart feeders, robotic litter boxes, wearables and telehealth.
"Supporting strong human-animal bonds requires a holistic approach to pet care across society," said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. "Veterinary teams are at the center of this discussion. When the veterinary-client relationship is strong, and enhanced by technology, it serves as the foundation for successful pet care across the board."
The study also found 82% of pet owners experience some challenges in understanding their pet's health. Despite strong interest in pet insurance and discount cards, usage remains low. Thirty-one percent of pet owners agreed that "money is no object" when spending on their pets, with 52% of pet owners with the strongest bonds holding this view.
"These findings encourage us to rethink how care is delivered, particularly for younger, highly bonded pet owners, who are deeply engaged but indicate the need for a greater level of support," Malhotra added. "Beyond cost, what matters most to pet owners is easy access to care that feels personal and empathetic."
HABRI and Chewy Health created The Bond Factor, a guide for veterinary professionals that applies insights from The Pet Health Challenges Study and offers actionable steps to support the veterinary-client relationship and the human-animal bond.
"HABRI and Chewy Health are committed to strengthening the human-animal bond," Feldman added. "Together, we will continue to share these findings with the goal of helping to educate and prepare the veterinary profession and the pet technology industry for the evolving needs and expectations of pet owners."
The Pet Health Challenges Study was conducted via an 18-minute online survey fielded February 6-13, 2025, among 2,005 U.S. pet owners aged 18 and older who own a dog or cat and are the primary decision-makers for their pet's care. The sample was nationally representative by age and gender.
