Following our report in November on how Australian vet bills now rival human healthcare, new national research has confirmed the devastating toll this is taking on household budgets.
The latest data from pet insurance payment service GapOnly® reveals a growing "preparedness gap," with financial stress driving risky behaviours like delaying treatment or turning to unverified home remedies.
A Heart-breaking Financial Burden
While we previously highlighted the high cost of advanced care, this new research from YouGov shows just how many Australians are currently at a breaking point:
- The Emotional Toll: 41% of Australians reported feeling overwhelmed, panicked, or crying because of pet healthcare costs.
- The Savings Gap: One in three pet owners cannot access $1,000 at short notice for vet care without borrowing or using credit.
- The Insurance Gap: Despite rising costs, only 8% of cats and dogs are currently insured.
- Unexpected Costs: 21% of households faced unexpected pet costs of $2,000+ in the past year, with 6% facing bills over $5,000.
To manage these bills, Australians are making significant sacrifices:
- 44% would put the bill on a credit card.
- 39% would ask friends or family for help.
- 35% would cut back on essentials like groceries or utilities.
- 27% would cancel or delay a planned holiday.
Generational Coping Strategies
The study found that 36% of pet owners now turn to home remedies or online sources before contacting a vet. However, the data shows different generations are dealing with the strain in different ways:
- Gen Z (18–28): The most likely to explore cost-saving measures. 45% rely on home remedies; 25% delay treatment due to cost; 21% use telehealth; and 44% ask for cheaper treatment options.
- Millennials (29–44): The biggest adopters of technology, with 24% using telehealth services. They also report high rates of home remedies (39%) and asking for cheaper alternatives (38%).
- Baby Boomers (61–79): 26% have used home remedies and 21% have asked for cheaper treatment. Worryingly, this group was also the most likely to reluctantly proceed with euthanasia when faced with a large, unexpected bill.
Dr. Simone Maher, Chief Veterinary Officer at PetSure, warns that while these behaviours are driven by financial necessity, they often lead to worse outcomes.
"When pet owners delay care or turn to home remedies, it may be due to cost or other barriers like living remotely—not because they don't care," says Dr. Maher.
"Unfortunately, these delays can allow small issues to escalate into more serious and costly problems."Dr. Maher notes that while insurance doesn’t prevent emergencies, products like GapOnly® help by reducing upfront out-of-pocket payments at the vet, allowing owners to make decisions based on health rather than the immediate bank balance.
Data Breakdown: The Cost of Common Conditions
To help owners budget, here are the top 10 conditions for dogs based on the PetSure Australian Pet Health Monitor 2025.
Top 10 health conditions in dogs (all ages)
Rank | Condition | Avg cost for treatment* | Highest cost for treatment*^ |
1 | Skin infections/allergies | $667 | $21,209 |
2 | Gastro conditions | $874 | $37,599 |
3 | Ear infections | $439 | $22,665 |
4 | Wounds from traumatic injuries and fights/bites | $836 | $46,525 |
5 | Mass lesions (lumps and bumps) | $961 | $31,195 |
6 | Eye conditions | $468 | $19,419 |
7 | Osteoarthritis | $823 | $39,289 |
8 | Musculoskeletal conditions | $607 | $15,591 |
9 | Anal sac disorders | $316 | $30,697 |
10 | Dental conditions | $816 | $13,158 |
How to Prepare for Your Next Vet Visit
- Ask for an Estimate: Always request a written estimate before any major procedure or hospitalisation.
- Discuss Alternatives: Don't be afraid to ask for "Plan B" or "Plan C" treatment options that might be more budget-friendly.
- Check for GapOnly: Ask if your clinic offers GapOnly® so you aren't waiting for a reimbursement while balancing your credit card.
- Consider a 'Health Fund': Even if you don't have insurance, setting aside a small monthly amount in a dedicated "pet emergency" account can help bridge the gap for $1,000 surprises.
Helping make veterinary care more accessible, GapOnly® is an innovative pet insurance claims payment solution. It allows customers to claim on the spot and simply pay "the gap" (the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible insurance claim benefit) at participating vet clinics. Powered by PetSure, it is available with all PetSure-administered policies. For more information, visit
The Fine Print
Research Methodology: This research was conducted by YouGov between 24 November and 3 December 2025 among 2,029 Australian pet owners. The survey used an online interview process with members of the YouGov Australian panel (71,000+ individuals). The sample is weighted to be representative of the Australian pet-owning population.
Disclaimer: GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Insurance products are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd, arranged and administered by PetSure. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from the relevant partner’s website before making any decisions about a product.
