Pet Owners Keep Spending on Pet Health

A national Elanco survey finds most pet owners have maintained or increased pet spending over the past three months.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Pet Health

Live Poll

Have you cut back on your pet's health care spending in the past three months?

Elanco released a national consumer survey finding 93% of pet owners maintained or increased pet spending over the past three months. The survey, fielded October 16 to 21, 2026, also found 38% of pet owners shifted medication purchasing outside the veterinary clinic in the past year or two.

Why it matters

The findings suggest pet owners are prioritizing animal health even as households face economic pressure, with only 7% saying they would cut pet health spending. Shifts in where medications are bought could affect how veterinary clinics and retailers compete for pet health dollars across the United States.

The Elanco omnibus survey drew on 2,018 U.S. consumers, including 1,495 dog and cat owners, fielded online October 16 to 21, 2026. Only 7% of surveyed consumers said they would cut pet health spending under economic pressure, compared with 54% who would cut dining out and entertainment.

The players

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a publicly traded animal health company listed on the NYSE under ticker ELAN, which commissioned the national consumer survey.

The details

Owners cited keeping pets healthy and living longer (65%) and seeing pets happy and comfortable (59%) as their main spending motivations. Among those who would switch medications, a doctor's recommendation was the top reason cited.

Earlier Elanco surveys found 93% expected to maintain or increase spending in February 2026 and 91% in May 2026.
The current survey was conducted online October 16 to 21, 2026.
93% of owners expect to maintain or increase spending in the year ahead.

Season Trajectory

The October findings continue a series of Elanco surveys in February and May 2026, where expectations of maintained or increased pet spending stayed between 91% and 93%. The consistency across these waves suggests pet health spending has held steady rather than declining amid broader household budget pressure.

Pet owners weighing where to buy medications may compare clinic pricing with other sources, especially since a doctor's recommendation is the top reason owners would switch products. Owners planning for pet care in the year ahead can budget with the expectation that most households are keeping pet health spending steady.

The takeaway

Pet owners are signaling that animal health remains a protected expense, so checking with a veterinarian before changing where medications are purchased can help ensure the switch fits a pet's needs.