- Pet owners might believe they fully understand what occurs during a veterinary appointment — yet
a fresh global survey encompassing over 1,000 veterinarians in 51 countries reveals that much more is happening behind the scenes. - Across species-specific practitioners, frequently unseen duties included “identifying concealed health issues and discomfort” among companion animal vets (87%) and equine vets (60%), “ensuring food-chain safety” and “monitoring for disease outbreaks” among livestock vets (65% and 62%, respectively).
- Boehringer Ingelheim, together with its veterinary association collaborators, is highlighting these results to foster greater appreciation for the vital yet often hidden work of veterinary professionals.
Boehringer Ingelheimer released fresh global survey data today, revealing the frequently overlooked dimensions of veterinary medicine that are crucial for safeguarding animals, people, and communities.
Based on responses from 1,046 qualified veterinary professionals spanning 51 countries, the survey pinpointed three of the most significant yet underappreciated facets of veterinary care:
- Detecting hidden health issues and pain, reported by 87% of pet vets and 60% of equine vets
- Guarding food-chain safety, reported by 65% of livestock vets
- Surveillance initiatives to curb disease transmission, reported by 62% of livestock vets
These results highlight the extensive influence veterinarians have on daily life, from tending to pets in more than half of households worldwidei to protecting the animals and animal-derived products that help feed 97% of the global population.ii,iii,iv
"Every day, veterinarians make choices that extend well beyond the examination room – for the animals they treat, for the people who care for them, and for the food systems and public health that we all rely on,” said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “Through this Going Beyond survey, together with our partners, we are shining a light on something many of us in the animal health field have long known: the most critical elements of what veterinarians do are often the least obvious.”
The knowledge behind every quiet veterinary judgment
That unseen expertise starts with extensive training. Diagnosing health conditions in animals and deciding on a treatment path depends on a breadth of knowledge that is not always apparent. Becoming a veterinarian typically requires five to six years of university education, and specialists may undergo four or more additional years of advanced training, meaning their decisions are backed by over a decade of study and clinical practice.v For cats and dogs, this expertise can mean the difference between catching a condition such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease early and overlooking it entirely.
As pet owners increasingly expect higher standards of animal health and wellbeingvi,vii,viii veterinary judgment plays a growing role at every stage of care – from prevention and early detection to managing complex illnesses. Yet much of this work remains invisible to animal owners, with 87% of companion animal vets identifying “identifying hidden health issues” as the most significant aspect of their job that is most likely to be underestimated.
“Diagnostic and treatment choices are built on the veterinarian’s professional training and experience. This hidden layer of expertise ensures that animals receive precise, efficient, and life-saving care,” 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 trust and collaboration with their veterinary teams to support the long-term health of our animals.”
The unseen strength of preventive veterinary medicine
A large portion of veterinary care is preventive in nature, with timely intervention and careful observation helping to stop problems before they worsen, easing long-term emotional and financial burdens on animal owners.
Yet when equine vets were surveyed, they ranked “detecting hidden pain and subtle early disease signs” (60%) and “using a horse’s surroundings and clinical history to predict risk” (42%) as the most important but overlooked elements of their work.
In practice, this includes customized guidance on a horse’s nutrition, dental and hoof care, vaccination, parasite management, and stable maintenance, helping to lower the risk of conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory disease.
“Much of an equine veterinarian’s work goes unnoticed precisely because it works,” said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Its impact is seen in problems caught early, avoided entirely, or managed before they become serious.”
The veterinary care that defends food systems and public health
Livestock veterinary care – which protects animals such as cattle, pigs, and poultry – has a direct and measurable effect on the food people depend on daily, supporting roughly 34% of the global food protein supply.ix
It also matters for public health, as 60% of human infectious diseases are known to transfer between animals and humans,x and 70% of emerging diseases originate in animals.xi
Yet, according to livestock vets, the broader impact of their work often goes unrecognized. In the survey, most identified “protecting food-chain safety” as the aspect of their role most likely to be overlooked by the public (65%), closely followed by “surveillance to limit the spread of disease” (62%).
“Livestock veterinarians are stewards of our food supply and frontline defenders against diseases that can jump from animals to people – yet this role is rarely visible to the public who depend on it most,” said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “Recognizing it is not just about professional pride; it is crucial if we are to attract, retain, and support the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health increasingly rely on."
Backed by major veterinary associations
About the Going Beyond campaign
Going Beyond is a campaign developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, in cooperation 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 other leading organizations. First launched for World Veterinary Day 2024, Going Beyond sheds light on the hidden power of veterinary care and the critical yet often unseen contribution of veterinary professionals. Through new survey insights and content featuring real veterinarians, Going Beyond aims to enhance understanding of veterinary care and why it matters – not only for animals, but also for people, communities and society as a whole – while helping veterinarians feel seen, appreciated and motivated to continue doing what they do best.
As part of the Going Beyond 2026 campaign, a survey conducted in March and April 2026 by Boehringer Ingelheim included 1,046 qualifying veterinarians from 51 countries.
Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
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