Survey Finds Pet Owners Want Clearer Health Information, Not a Replacement for Veterinarians

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sept. 15, 2026 - PRLog -- Pet owners are increasingly turning to technology to help manage their pets' health, but they aren't looking to replace their veterinarians. Owners want easier-to-understand information, tools that help them stay informed and technology that keeps their veterinary team in the loop, according to new research released today by CompanAIn.

The CompanAIn Modern Pet Owner Survey of more than 100 U.S. pet owners ages 18–80, representing a variety of pet types, found that rising healthcare costs, difficulty understanding medical information and a desire to be more informed are shaping how owners approach their pets' care.

Key findings:

• 80% are concerned about the rising cost of pet healthcare.
• Nearly half find veterinary reports and laboratory results confusing.
• 67% identify plain-language explanations of medical information as a valuable feature in a pet health platform.
• 72% would trust AI-generated health information if validated by veterinarians and scientists.
• Two-thirds would be more likely to use a platform if their veterinarian could access the same health information and insights.

"Today's pet owners aren't looking for technology to replace their veterinarian. They're looking for technology that helps them become better partners in their pet's care," said Michelle Wiltse, founder and CEO of CompanAIn. "Our research suggests owners want trusted tools that help organize information, explain what they're seeing and create more productive conversations with their veterinary team."

Why Owners Are Turning to Technology

Technology has become part of what happens between veterinary visits. Owners can search questions online, track changes in their pets' health, organize records and seek explanations. But more information doesn't necessarily make an individual pet's health easier to understand.

Nearly half of respondents said veterinary reports and laboratory results can be confusing, while 67% identified plain-language explanations as a valuable feature. The findings suggest owners want help understanding and organizing their pets' health information over time and sharing it with their veterinary team.

Owners Are Open to AI—with Conditions

The survey offers a nuanced picture of how pet owners view AI in healthcare. While 72% would trust AI-generated health information validated by veterinarians and scientists, two-thirds would be more likely to use a platform if their veterinarian could access the same information and insights.

As owners increasingly turn to online search and AI tools for answers about symptoms, medications and health information, the opportunity is not simply to provide more information. It is to deliver trusted, understandable insights with context, continuity and appropriate clinical oversight—strengthening the connection between what happens at home and the care provided by veterinary teams.