How valued do veterinarians feel today?

In honor of Veterinarian Month , celebrated in Colombia in May, Boehringer Ingelheim presented the results of a new survey exploring pet owners' perceptions of the essential role of veterinarians in animal health and community well-being.

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This new study complements the survey conducted in 2024 in collaboration with the market research institute Kynetec, which investigated how veterinarians perceive recognition and appreciation from pet owners. Both initiatives are part of Boehringer Ingelheim's global "Go Beyond" campaign, which seeks to highlight aspects of veterinary work that often go unnoticed and do not receive the recognition they deserve. "At Boehringer Ingelheim, we firmly believe in the impact that veterinarians have on the lives of animals and people. We want to express our gratitude and highlight their daily work, which goes far beyond the office: they research, educate, care for, prevent, and transform entire communities with their knowledge and commitment ," said Juan José Fresan, Animal Health Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim in Colombia and Venezuela. “In partnership with the institutions that support our 'Go Beyond' campaign, we are proud to pay tribute to the veterinary profession, highlighting their critical role as animal health professionals, advocates, researchers, educators, surgeons, public health experts, and more, ” added Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

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Highlighted results

The 2025 survey reveals significant data that contrast with the results of the 2024 study among veterinarians. Ninety-four percent of pet owners or guardians said they valued the veterinary profession, and 91% considered veterinarians to be essential or important to society. However, in 2024, only 49% of veterinarians believed that pet owners truly appreciated their work.

Additionally, 93% of respondents in 2025 said they were satisfied with the level of care provided by their veterinarian , compared to 75% of veterinarians in 2024 who felt their dedication was recognized.

Regarding work-life balance, 65% of pet owners felt that veterinarians manage to maintain a healthy balance. However, in 2024, 48% of veterinarians believed their clients underestimated the personal sacrifices involved in their work.

On the other hand, 66% of those surveyed in 2025 acknowledged that veterinarians require a high level of resilience to manage stress and emotional exhaustion. This perception, however, was lower compared to other essential professions such as doctors, police officers, firefighters, and teachers. In contrast, in 2024, 49% of veterinarians reported feeling underestimated in their ability to cope with stress.

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