Artists Face Rising Veterinary Costs as Pet Care Strains Creative Budgets
In a study conducted by PetSmart Charities in 2025, it was revealed that 94% of veterinarians in the U.S. and 96% in Canada noted that financial constraints often prevent pet owners from pursuing recommended treatment for their sick, injured, or aging animals. A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in September showed that veterinary service prices increased by 5.9% from 2025 to 2026, outpacing the 3.4% inflation rate in the U.S. The article examines how artists cope with escalating costs as private equity firms take over veterinary practices. Sjournee Quaidoo, a stylist and dancer, adopted a Chihuahua-Yorkie mix named Lido, initially believing pet insurance would help, but found it inadequate compared to human healthcare, emphasizing the challenges of affording veterinary services while living paycheck to paycheck.
Key facts
- A 2025 PetSmart Charities study found 94% of responding US veterinarians and 96% of Canadian veterinarians said owners' finances often or sometimes bar recommended care for sick, injured, and aging pets
- A September Bureau of Labor Statistics report found veterinary service costs increased 5.9% between 2025 and 2026, outpacing the 3.4% US inflation rate
- Private equity is increasingly acquiring the veterinary sphere, per a New York Times report
- Sjournee Quaidoo is a freelance soft goods stylist, dance professional, and staff member at the American Academy of Arts and Letters in Washington Heights
- Quaidoo is based between Minneapolis and New York City and adopted a Chihuahua-Yorkie mix named Lido early this summer
- Quaidoo told Hyperallergic she thought pet insurance worked like human healthcare but found human insurance has a higher level of coverage
- The article's opening scenario describes a dachshund needing teeth extracted at a cost of at least $1,400, with more removals within months
- The article questions how artists and cultural workers budget for pet medical care amid soaring prices
Entities
Artists
- Sjournee Quaidoo
Institutions
- PetSmart Charities
- American Academy of Arts and Letters
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Hyperallergic
- New York Times
Locations
- United States
- Canada
- Washington Heights
- Minneapolis
- New York City