Stronger pet bonds may be accelerating tech adoption in vet care

Veterinary technology adoption may be less about novelty than relationship strength. New findings highlighted by HABRI, Chewy Health, and dvm360 suggest that as the human-animal bond deepens, pet parents become more willing to use digital tools to manage care, communicate with clinics, and stay connected to their pets. In the Pet Health Challenges Study, based on a nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 U.S. dog and cat pet parents, HABRI said bond strength was at its highest level recorded and was linked to more veterinary visits, higher willingness to spend, and greater openness to tools such as telehealth, apps, wearables, and other care-management technology. The dvm360 Vet Blast episode published January 6, 2026, brought those findings to a veterinary audience through a discussion with HABRI’s Lindsey Braun and veterinarian Tiffany Tupler. (dvm360.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the message is practical: technology appears to work best when it supports the veterinary-client relationship, not when it replaces it. HABRI’s survey found that 82% of pet parents report challenges understanding their pet’s health, while outside coverage of the study said satisfaction rises when practices use multiple communication channels, including texting, apps, telehealth, phone, and in-person care. The strongest-bond pet parents were also the most likely to adopt tech, with willingness rising from 24% among “strong bond” respondents to more than 50% among those in the “strongest bond” group. That gives practices a clearer framework for investing in digital tools that reduce confusion, improve follow-through, and help younger, more stressed client segments engage with care. (dvm360.com)

What to watch: Expect more veterinary groups, platforms, and suppliers to position communication, financing, and care-navigation tools as bond-supporting services rather than stand-alone tech products. (habri.org)