- Pet owners might assume they fully understand what occurs during a trip to the veterinarian — but a recent international survey involving more than 1,000 veterinary professionals from 51 countries reveals that considerably more takes place beneath the surface.
- Among veterinarians who focus on particular species, the most frequently cited underrecognized areas included “detecting concealed health conditions and discomfort” for companion animal vets (87%) and equine vets (60%), plus “food-chain integrity” and “disease monitoring” for those working with livestock (65% and 62%, respectively).
- Boehringer Ingelheim, together with its partner veterinary organizations, is bringing these results to light in order to foster greater appreciation for the indispensable yet frequently invisible contributions of veterinary medicine.
Boehringer Ingelheim has released new findings from a global survey, highlighting the frequently unappreciated dimensions of veterinary medicine that are vital for safeguarding animals, human populations, and broader society.
Based on input from 1,046 qualified veterinary practitioners spanning 51 countries, the research pinpointed three of the most significant yet underappreciated facets of veterinary work:
- Identifying hidden medical issues and discomfort, reported by 87% of companion animal vets and 60% of equine vets
- Ensuring food-chain safety, noted by 65% of livestock vets
- Monitoring programs aimed at containing disease transmission, cited by 62% of livestock vets
These results emphasize the wide-ranging influence of veterinary professionals in daily life, from tending to animals in more than half of all households worldwidei to protecting the livestock and animal-derived goods that contribute to feeding 97% of the global population.ii,iii,iv
"Veterinarians make judgments every day that resonate well beyond the exam room — for the animals they treat, for the people who cherish them, and for the food networks and public health systems we all rely on,” said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “With this Going Beyond survey, created in partnership with our collaborators, we are underscoring the importance of something many of us in the animal health field have recognized for a long time: the most essential elements of veterinary work are frequently the hardest to see.”
The skill behind every understated veterinary decision
That quiet expertise is built on extensive training. Recognizing medical issues in animals and deciding on treatment pathways requires a level of knowledge that is not always readily apparent. Becoming a veterinarian typically demands five to six years of university education, while specialists may undergo four or more additional years of advanced instruction, meaning their decisions are shaped by over a decade of academic preparation and practical clinical work.v For dogs and cats, this depth of knowledge can mean the difference between catching a condition such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease at an early stage and missing it altogether.
As expectations for animal health and wellness continue to climb among pet ownersvi,vii,viii, veterinary expertise is becoming ever more critical at every phase of care — from prevention and early detection to handling complex illnesses. Yet much of this effort remains hidden from animal owners, with 87% of companion animal veterinarians reporting that “detecting hidden health issues” is the most vital part of their job that is most likely to go unnoticed.
“Diagnostic and treatment choices are grounded in the veterinarian’s professional education and hands-on experience. This invisible layer of knowledge guarantees that animals receive precise, effective, and life-saving attention,” said Dr. Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Helping pet owners grasp the full extent of that expertise is essential for building confidence and collaboration with their veterinary teams to support the lasting wellbeing of our animals.”
The unseen strength of preventive veterinary medicine
A significant portion of veterinary practice is preventive in nature, with timely action and careful monitoring helping to stop problems before they worsen, thereby reducing long-term emotional and financial burdens for animal owners.
Nevertheless, when equine veterinarians were polled, they rated “identifying hidden pain and subtle early signs of disease” (60%) and “using a horse’s surroundings and medical background to forecast risk” (42%) as the most critical yet overlooked elements of their work.
In daily practice, this includes customized guidance on a horse’s nutrition, dental and hoof maintenance, immunization, parasite management, and stable upkeep, all of which help lower the likelihood of issues such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory ailments.
“Much of what equine veterinarians do escapes notice precisely because it is so effective,” said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Its effect is visible in conditions that are caught early, avoided entirely, or controlled before they intensify.”
The veterinary care that protects food systems and community health
Livestock veterinary medicine — which safeguards animals such as cattle, pigs, and poultry — has a direct and quantifiable effect on the food people consume daily, supporting roughly 34% of the worldwide protein supply.ix
It also carries weight for public health, given that 60% of infectious diseases in humans are known to transfer between animals and people,x and 70% of newly emerging diseases originate in animals.xi
Nevertheless, according to livestock veterinarians, the broader significance of their profession often remains unacknowledged. In the survey, the majority identified “preserving food-chain safety” as the facet of their job most likely to be underestimated by the public (65%), closely followed by “monitoring to contain disease spread” (62%).
“Livestock veterinarians serve as stewards of our food supply and as frontline sentinels against illnesses that can jump from animals to humans — yet this function is seldom visible to the public that depends on it most,” said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “Acknowledging this is not merely a point of professional satisfaction; it is crucial if we hope to attract, retain, and sustain the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health increasingly rely on."
Backed by prominent veterinary organizations
About the Going Beyond campaign
Going Beyond is an initiative created by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with the World Small Animal Vet Association, the World Association for Buiatrics, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and various other leading bodies. First launched for World Veterinary Day 2024, Going Beyond draws attention to the concealed strength of veterinary medicine and the essential yet frequently invisible contributions of veterinary professionals. Through fresh survey data and stories featuring real veterinarians, Going Beyond seeks to increase awareness of veterinary care and its significance — not just for animals, but for people, communities, and society at large — while helping veterinarians feel recognized, valued, and encouraged to keep doing what they do best.
As part of the Going Beyond 2026 campaign, a survey carried out in March and April 2026 by Boehringer Ingelheim included 1,046 qualifying veterinarians from 51 countries.
Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business
Boehringer Ingelheim delivers innovations for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company supplies a broad portfolio of vaccines, parasite-control solutions, and medications for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and government entities. As a frontrunner in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim recognizes that human and animal wellbeing are closely linked and works to create meaningful impact for people, animals, and society. Find out more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company operating in both human and animal health fields. As one of the sector’s leading spenders on research and development, the company concentrates on creating novel therapies capable of improving and extending lives in areas of significant unmet medical need. Privately held since its founding in 1885, Boehringer maintains a long-term outlook, integrating sustainability throughout the entire value chain. Our roughly 54,300 employees serve more than 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
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