I, like many of you, am an animal lover who recently faced the heart-wrenching loss of my 14-year-old dog. However, what is further saddening is the increasing number of stories about pets being abandoned or surrendered to animal charities due to the rising costs of veterinary care.

Everyday, hardworking pet owners are being forced to make unthinkable decisions because they simply can't afford to keep their pets healthy. This is not just a concern for a few of us. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that the price of veterinary care has risen over 8% per year over the past decade (AVMA, 2020). This dramatic increase is causing a surge in animal abandonments and surrenders.

Moreover, the financial burden is not the only concern. High veterinary costs also mean less preventive care, leading to deteriorating animal health, increases in untreated medical issues, and in severe cases, premature deaths.

This is a call to action. Let's urge policy makers, veterinary bodies, and related organizations to develop sustainable solutions that make veterinary care affordable - for every pet owner. These solutions could include veterinary insurance reforms, affordable payment plans, cost transparency, and much more.

We all agree that our pets are more than just animals - they are our family. To honor this bond, we should not be forced to part ways because of financial constraints.

Sign this initiative and share your voice for affordable veterinary care. No pet owner should become a pet-less one due to rising vet costs. Let's stand together for the love of pets.