The Front Line of Prevention: How Veterinary Professionals Can Help Keep People and Pets Together

Tackling pet homelessness starts long before a pet enters a shelter. Often, it begins with small, everyday moments—such as when a veterinary nurse notices a subtle change in a pet’s health, or when an owner seems anxious about their pet’s behavior. By spotting these signs early and offering the right support, many situations can be resolved before they escalate.

International Homeless Animals Day is the perfect time to reflect on the bigger picture: the millions of animals without homes around the world and the important role veterinary teams can play in pet homelessness prevention. As part of the Mars Petcare family, our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, includes addressing the issues that can separate pets from the families who love them.

Our State of Pet Homelessness Project, the largest global study of its kind, revealed 1 in 3 pets worldwide currently has no home. Behind each number is an often distressing story with real people and real pets, and we all have a role to play in changing that statistic.

Veterinary Teams as Early Responders: Detecting the Warning Signs

Veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to spot early signs of concern. Preventive care plans from Banfield and VCA, and Banfield’s upcoming budget-friendly Access Plan, offer flexible support across a spectrum of care. When appointments are missed or health issues go untreated, it may signal deeper challenges at home, from lifestyle pressures, housing instability, or difficulty managing a pet’s behavior.

At Mars Veterinary Health, delivering high-quality medicine is what guides us, and we recognize how pet and human wellbeing are interlinked. When an owner is struggling, their pet often feels the impact too. Understanding this broader context ensures meaningful solutions are given, and by stepping in early, veterinary professionals can help prevent the situation from escalating by offering behavioral modification support or other resources. Sometimes, this type of timely support can be the difference between a pet staying with their family or ending up in a shelter.

In my own experience as a practicing veterinarian, and even in my role today overseeing how quality medicine is delivered across our connected global network of 3,000+ veterinary clinics, I see how behavioural issues can push families to the brink of surrendering their pets. Milo, a young terrier with severe separation anxiety, was one such case. His constant howling and destructive behaviour left his owners overwhelmed and facing complaints from neighbours. Though they loved him, they felt they couldn’t cope any longer.

His veterinarian learned about these issues as part of her chat with the owner during a routine consultation and referred them to a qualified behaviorist. With tailored training, consistency and support, Milo’s behaviour improved dramatically within a few months, and the family was able to find a positive path forward.

How We Can Use Preventative Tools Like Empathetic, Inclusive Care?

Veterinary care isn’t always just about diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes, what pet owners need most is simply someone who listens. In moments of uncertainty or stress, a compassionate conversation with a trusted veterinary professional can lighten the emotional load and provide much-needed support. At Mars Veterinary Health, we work to support our veterinary team members, so they can support and partner with our clients.

Our recent research collaboration with Michigan State University examined what “access to veterinary care” truly means for pet owners. We identified five key factors that influence whether someone seeks or receives care for their pet. These include practical challenges such as cost, clinic hours, and transportation, as well as personal aspects like feeling welcomed and respected in the care environment. Understanding these barriers gives veterinary teams a clearer picture of the obstacles owners face when seeking help.

By recognising these challenges, veterinary teams can offer more empathetic and inclusive care. Small actions, like providing flexible appointment options, sharing community resources, or simply checking in with clients, can make a meaningful difference. When veterinary care is delivered with compassion and tailored to individual needs, it strengthens the human-animal bond and helps reduce the risk of that bond breaking down in the future.

The Power of Community Partnerships and Proactive Support

Veterinary professionals play a vital role in preventing pet homelessness, but they can’t do it alone. By partnering with shelters, nonprofits, and local organizations, we can reach pets and owners who might otherwise go without care, including low-income families, unhoused individuals, and under-resourced communities.

We invest in community partnerships to extend the reach of veterinary care. For example, Mars Veterinary Health funded Shelters United’s Veterinarian of Record Training Program, which helps veterinarians and animal welfare organizations establish and maintain successful partnerships. This training bridges gaps, increasing access to care for shelter pets, improving relationships between veterinarians and animal rescues, and making it easier for veterinarians to give back to their local communities through shelter work.

Mars Veterinary Health, our Associates, and our charitable arms—Banfield Foundation, BluePearl Cares, and VCA Charities—also give back to the communities in which we live and work. Each year, hundreds of free and low-cost veterinary clinics—including thousands of hours from Associates and nonprofit partners—support pets in need across inner cities, rural communities, Native American reservations, and veterinary deserts. Collectively, our charitable arms have granted more than $31.5 million to date to help ensure vulnerable pets receive access to critical care, food, and resources.

A Shared Responsibility

The work to tackle the issues behind pet homelessness is a collective effort—and one that can and should include the veterinary team. By fostering early detection, empathetic communication, and community collaboration, veterinary professionals can play an important role in ending pet homelessness.

As we reflect on International Homeless Animals Day, let us—as a profession and as pet lovers—commit to being even more vigilant advocates for those that cannot speak for themselves. Our actions can help ensure every pet has the chance to live a healthy and happy life, with a family that loves them.