Survey Uncovers Underrecognized Contributions of Veterinary Professionals
Boehringer Ingelheim today published new global survey findings revealing the often-overlooked aspects of veterinary care that are essential in protecting animals, people and society. The survey, which drew responses from 1,046 qualifying veterinary professionals across 51 countries, identified three of the most important yet underrecognized aspects of veterinary care.
Among species-specific respondents, overlooked aspects included “spotting hidden health problems and pain” among veterinary professionals focused on pets (87%) and equine (60%), as well as “food-chain safety” and “disease surveillance” among those working with livestock (65% and 62%, respectively).
North American Results Align with Global Priorities
Results from North America aligned on the same priorities, with the following identified as the top three: uncovering hidden health problems and pain, identified by veterinary professionals focused on pets (97%) and equine (67%); protecting food-chain safety, identified by 76% of livestock veterinary professionals; and surveillance programs to limit the spread of disease, identified by 62% of livestock veterinary professionals.
These findings underscore the far-reaching role veterinary professionals play in everyday life, from caring for pets in over half of households globally to safeguarding the animals and animal-derived products that help feed 97% of the world’s population.
Expert Commentary on the Survey Findings
“Veterinary professionals make decisions every day that affect far more than the animals in their care – from the people who love and depend on them to the food and public health systems that keep communities healthy,” said Fabio Barone, Vice President, Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. “The Going Beyond survey puts data behind what the animal health community has long known: some of veterinary medicine’s most essential contributions happen quietly and are often overlooked.”
The Expertise Behind Every Quiet Veterinary Decision
That invisible expertise begins with years of training. Identifying health issues in animals and determining the course of action relies on a depth of knowledge that isn’t always immediately obvious. Becoming a veterinarian in Canada typically takes about six to eight years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate or college studies and a veterinary degree. Specialist veterinarians may complete three to four additional years of advanced training. This means decisions are informed by more than a decade of education and hands-on clinical experience.
