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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
While Australia’s wildlife may be one of the most discussed aspects worldwide, its domestic animals rightfully receive the most attention from its residents. Roughly 28.7 million pets live in Australia, accounting for a nearly 70% ownership rate and a subsequently thriving veterinary industry.
The veterinary industry and the general approach to pet healthcare have evolved drastically in only a few years. Let’s explore the current state of affairs and prospects for the future with these Australian veterinary statistics and facts.
The 14 Australia Veterinary Statistics & Facts
*Dollar amounts are in AU dollars
- The veterinary industry will grow by 9.75% through 2029.
- The number of Australian veterinarians will increase to over 15,000 professionals in 2024.
- Nearly 60% of Australia’s veterinarians retire by age 65.
- Approximately three-quarters of veterinarians are female.
- Veterinarians have average annual salaries between $87,000 and $173,000.
- Less than one-quarter of Australia’s veterinarians hold a postgraduate or graduate diploma.
- Gen Z pet owners spend an average of $630 at the vet.
- More than one in five pet owners have reduced their frequency of routine vet visits.
- Veterinary services rose 7.3% in price in 2022, a 22-year high.
- 24% of Australians have had a vet bill of up to $5,000.
- Skin infections and allergies are the top health conditions for dogs, and gastrointestinal disease is the number one cat ailment.
- Dog owners spend an annual average of $631 on veterinary services, while cat owners spend $388.
- The average treatment cost for poisoning and foreign body ingestion is $1,064 for dogs and $1,808 for cats without surgery.
- 84% of dog owners and 69% of cat owners took their pets to the vet in the last 12 months.
General Veterinary Industry Statistics
1. The veterinary industry will grow by 9.75% through 2029.
(Mordor Intelligence)
Veterinary medicine is looking more and more like human healthcare as pet parents increasingly prioritize their animals’ well-being and quality of life. The global humanization trend is impacting the industry’s growth, particularly in pet-loving Australia.
Experts predict Australia’s veterinary healthcare market to grow by a steady 9.75% CAGR from 2024–2029. Technology is evolving rapidly, pet owners are spending more, and adoption is up following the pandemic. With these and other factors spurring the growth, the country is outpacing the projected global veterinary healthcare market, which Mordor Intelligence forecasts at a 5.59% CAGR through 2029.
2. The number of Australian veterinarians will increase to over 15,000 professionals in 2024.
(IBISWorld)
More of Australia’s vets are answering the calls as owners seek better pet care. According to the Australian Veterinary Workforce Survey, the country had 10,436 vets in 2013, jumping to 13,993 in 2021. In 2024, IBISWorld forecasts that Australia’s community of veterinarians will include 15,042 professionals.
Growth has been steady for the past decade, though the rate of increase waned during the pandemic. Tides will appear to turn in 2024, as the 3.5% increase in veterinarians is the most significant YoY uptick since 2018. Still, the boost in ownership puts the pet-to-vet ratio at roughly 1,908:1 in 2024, indicating an ongoing need for more experts to enter the field.
Veterinarian Demographics
3. Nearly 60% of Australia’s veterinarians retire by age 65
(Australian Veterinary Association)
Most veterinarians retire by age 65, with roughly 59.32% of professionals calling it quits early. Another 22.88% retire by age 70, leaving 17.8% working for even longer. Retirement ages in Australia have been trending up in the last few decades, so it isn’t unsurprising to see many veterinarians following suit and staying employed well into their later years.
4. Approximately three-quarters of veterinarians are female
(Australian Government)
Australia’s veterinarian community is taking on more females, who now account for 74% of Australia’s veterinarians.
Females generally fill out the younger age groups, with most being 25–39 years old. By contrast, male veterinarians are typically older, with the 60–64 age group having more than any other group. With more females working in the industry, the median age for veterinarians in the country is only 38 years.
5. Veterinarians have average annual salaries between $87,000 and $173,000.
(Veterinary Jobs Marketplace)
Vets and vet techs play vital and irreplaceable roles for pet parents, warranting comfortable pay packages. On the low end, vets average around $87,000, according to an aggregate of various salary reporting websites. Meanwhile, those on the higher end see annual salaries of roughly $173,000.
Annual salaries have increased considerably since 2022. Low-end salaries rose roughly $18,000, and high-end salaries jumped nearly $40,000. Pay varies according to tenure and specialties, as roles like emergency vets and surgeons expect a 35%–50% pay increase.
6. Less than one-quarter of Australia’s veterinarians hold a postgraduate or graduate diploma.
It’s no surprise that veterinarians attain higher education levels than the average Australian worker, but few have needed to go beyond undergraduate studies. The ABS 2021 census reveals that over two-thirds of veterinarians hold a bachelor’s degree, while only 23.1% earned a graduate or postgraduate diploma.
Even more surprising is that 2.4% achieved only a certificate III/IV or advanced diploma, with 0.5% not attaining anything higher than a year 10!
Veterinary Care Spending
7. Gen Z pet owners spend an average of $630 at the vet.
(Statista)
As younger generations are more likely to prioritize their pets’ quality of life, they’re also willing to spend more to give them essential care. In 2022, Gen Z pet owners spent an average of $630 at the vet, with each preceding generation spending less. Gen Y’ers spent $609, Gen X’ers dished out $582, and Baby Boomers saved the most by paying only $548.
8. More than one in five pet owners have reduced their frequency of routine vet visits.
(PetSure)
PetSure’s 2024 pet health survey revealed that most of Australia’s pet parents must compromise on veterinary care because of rising costs. Anecdotal data suggests that 21.5% of owners have reduced the frequency of routine and preventive care appointments.
Other owners feel forced to risk long-term issues and worsening conditions for short-term savings. Over 20% have put off taking pets to the vet for minor injuries and illnesses, and nearly 13% have skipped preventive flea, tick, and heartworm medicines.
9. Veterinary services rose 7.3% in price in 2022, a 21-year high.
(ABS)
Fewer vet visits are partially due to higher vet costs. Inflation and improved offerings following the pandemic have forced veterinary service prices to often unaffordable highs. Services rose 7.3% in price in June 2022, the highest percentage increase since 2001.
10. 24% of Australians have had a vet bill of up to $5,000.
(Budget Direct)
Although most Australians (33.07%) only faced figures up to $500 on their highest veterinary bills, plenty of others have had to spend significant amounts to keep their pets healthy.
Budget Direct’s 2023 consumer survey found that 29.19% of customers had bills up to $1,000. Another 24.08% have managed costs of up to $5,000 as their highest bills, while roughly 5% paid up to $10,000 or more.
Pet-Specific Veterinary Facts
11. Skin infections and allergies are the top health conditions for dogs, and gastrointestinal disease is the number one cat ailment.
(PetSure)
Skin infections are common among several dog breeds and are the top health condition for those over a year old. Meanwhile, gastrointestinal issues were the primary issue for puppies, as their developing tolerances, changing diets, and curious eating habits make them prone to adverse reactions. Regarding cats, GI issues are the number one problem among all age groups.
12. Dog owners spend an annual average of $631 on veterinary services, while cat owners spend $388.
(AMA)
In Australia, dogs are generally much more expensive to own than cats. Spending across all pet-related categories is higher for dogs, accounting for a nearly $1,500 annual cost difference between them and cats.
Veterinary services are pricey, as dog owners spend $631 annually versus $388 for cat owners. Small animals like birds and reptiles are significantly cheaper than cats or dogs. Fish owners have the lowest annual spending at a meager $104 per fish.
13. The Average treatment cost for poisoning and foreign body ingestion is $1,064 for dogs and $1,808 for cats without surgery.
Beyond routine checkups and minor ailments, treating pets in Australia for serious issues is an expensive affair. Accidental poisoning and foreign body ingestion are frequent concerns, and owners can expect to pay over a thousand dollars to treat their dogs at the vet. Surprisingly, cats have even higher treatment costs, running an average of $1,808. And that’s without surgery!
Adding a surgical procedure makes those numbers skyrocket. The average cost to treat dogs for accidental ingestions with surgery is $5,067. Cats are only slightly cheaper, with an average cost of $4,951. Owners must be keenly aware of their pets’ environments and the species-specific dangers they may face. The high price of care further emphasizes the value of insurance to manage severe pet emergencies.
14. 84% of dog owners and 69% of cat owners took their pets to the vet in the last 12 months
Most Australian pet owners approach veterinary care responsibly. 84% of dog owners and 69% of cat owners claimed to take their pets to the vet in the last year. Dog owners average 2.1 annual vet visits per pet, while cat owners average 1.9 visits.
Despite the vet visitation rate, only 52% of dog owners and 41% of cat owners spent money on services. While some of this may be due to more people making claims on their pet insurance plans, an increased use of low or no-cost veterinary telehealth services may also account for the disparity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia’s Veterinary Industry
What Are the Greatest Challenges for Australia’s Veterinarians?
A series of work-related challenges has taken its toll on the mental health of many of Australia’s veterinary experts. A 2019 survey found that two-thirds of vets suffered a mental health condition at one point. Over a quarter have had to take time off to manage their stress and mental health.
Contributing factors include heavy workloads, poor client interactions, and low compensation. Burnout is a well-known issue in the community, spurring AVA leaders to propose vet-specific support programs. (AVA)
How Is Climate Change Affecting Veterinary Services in Australia?
Climate change affects Australia’s pets in numerous ways. Wildfires increase the risks of injury and respiratory issues among livestock, extreme weather creates more opportunities for infection, and changing weather patterns affect ticks and other parasite activity.
According to PetSure, ear infections in the Brisbane area jumped 30% following Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Meanwhile, the peak tick period extended from August to January in 2023–2024. By contrast, the peak period in 2000 only lasted from September to December. Climate change touches everything from heat-related health issues to food security, adding to the need for qualified veterinary experts in Australia.
How Affordable Is Pet Insurance?
Australians spend over $1 billion annually on pet insurance, a steadily growing industry countrywide. Dog owners spend the most on their insurance, with average yearly premiums of roughly $776 per dog. Cat owners pay significantly less, spending only $535 on annual premiums. (AMA)
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
With the rising cost of veterinary services, the value of pet insurance is at an all-time high. Pet insurance covers various services related to accidental injuries, illnesses, routine checkups, and vaccinations, depending on your custom plan. As they can cover up to 100% of the bill, the monthly premiums can be a lifesaver for pets with severe conditions requiring surgery or long-term care.
Pet insurance works slightly differently than human health insurance. You choose your deductible, coverage limits, and reimbursement percentages to build your plan and set your premium. After receiving services, you pay the vet directly. You can then submit a claim for reimbursement to your provider, potentially saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
Veterinary services are becoming more expensive for many Australians, while vets face unique struggles in providing the highest-quality care. Though the number of professionals continues growing, increased ownership and demand leave room for opportunity that will hopefully inspire more animal-loving professionals to meet the challenge.
Featured Image Credit: ORION PRODUCTION, Shutterstock
