Jan 13 2009
Most Pet Owners Satisfied With Their Vets
A recent survey of pet owners by BNResearch indicates that most pet owners are satisfied with vet visits, few pet owners have pet insurance, and a vet’s communication and client’s understanding impacts whether a pet owner follows through with a pet’s treatment plan. The results of the national telephone survey were released in December, 2008.
Approximately 92% of 438 pet owners who had taken their pet to a veterinarian in the last three months said they were very satisfied with their visit and would recommend their veterinarian. The survey also found however, that continued satisfaction with a veterinarian depended on communication and client education.
Pet owners who had an “excellent” understanding of their pet’s treatment plan were much more likely to follow the plan completely than those who had a “good” understanding of the treatment plan. More specifically, 86% of pet owners followed a treatment plan completely when they had an “excellent” understanding of it whereas only 65% of pet owners followed the pet’s treatment plan when they had a “good” understanding of it. This, in turn, leads to pets not getting fully better, which also lowers client satisfaction.
BNResearch also discovered that only 3% of pet owners surveyed had pet insurance, but nearly all of the pet owners who had pet insurance said they were satisfied with it and would recommend their pet insurance. Most pet owners did not get pet insurance due to cost.
Finally, the survey indicated that one-third of pet owners rated their hospitals’ explanation of fees as less than “excellent”. This may lead to pet owners going elsewhere to seek veterinary hospital services.
BNResearch recommends veterinarians communicate well with their clients, making sure they understand a pet’s condition and treatment plan before they leave. BNResearch also suggests vets may want to utilize videos and handouts to supplement their discussions with pet owners who come to see them. Pet owners should also remember they have the right to ask questions to clarify what a vet is saying if they do not understand something.
How do you feel about your current vet? What things does he or she do that make your and your pet’s experience a good one?
Source:
Cat Channel: Pet Owners Satisfied With Vet Visits
