A new global study commissioned by Royal Canin finds that millions of dogs and cats adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic are now reaching midlife — a life stage veterinary science increasingly identifies as a critical window for long-term health — yet many of their owners may be unprepared to act on it.
The survey of 19,012 pet owners, conducted by Censuswide in March 2026, found that more than a third of respondents (38%) believe nothing can be done about pet aging, while just over two in five (44%) say they only think about aging once health issues begin. More than half (55%) avoid thinking or talking about the topic because it feels too sad.
At the same time, owners report deep emotional investment in their pets: 74% buy gifts for milestones such as birthdays, 52% celebrate their pet's birthday each year, and nearly a third (30%) say they spend more on birthday gifts for their pet than for their children.
Veterinary experts say the gap between emotional attachment and proactive health behavior is particularly significant as pandemic-era pets reach approximately 6 to 7 years of age, a period when early biological changes associated with aging can begin at the cellular level, often before visible signs appear. Nearly a third of owners surveyed (31%) said they delay early action because their pet "seems fine."
New scientific research presented at the Royal Canin Veterinary Symposium 2026 centers on the concept of "healthspan" — the period of a pet's life spent in good health before the onset of age-related chronic disease and disability. Researchers say factors including nutrition, weight regulation, exercise and regular veterinary monitoring can influence how pets age.
One in four owners surveyed (25%) were unaware that health risks such as diabetes can increase as pets grow older.
"We now understand that our pet's aging begins much earlier than many of us expect, often during midlife when cats and dogs still seem healthy and full of energy," said Dr. Tanya Schoeman, veterinary specialist physician and Royal Canin feline health specialist. "This stage offers a valuable opportunity to take simple, proactive steps that can support long-term wellbeing.
"As both a veterinarian and a pet owner, I see how easy it is to focus on the present when our pets appear well and the thought of them aging can be distressing," continued Schoeman. "But by starting conversations and health checks earlier and paying attention to small changes, we can help support not just longer lives, but healthier and better quality of life for our pets as they grow older.
"Simple steps can make a meaningful difference, including maintaining regular veterinary check-ups, proactively discussing healthy aging with your vet, and paying attention to subtle changes in behavior, mobility or energy levels."
