- Animal owners might assume they understand what happens during a trip to the veterinarian — but
a fresh global survey involving more than 1,000 veterinary professionals across 51 countries reveals there is considerably more occurring behind the scenes. - Among veterinarians specializing by species, underappreciated elements included “identifying concealed health issues and pain” for pet practitioners (87%) and equine practitioners (60%), “ensuring food-chain safety” and “monitoring disease” for livestock veterinarians (65% and 62% respectively).
- Boehringer Ingelheim, together with its veterinary association collaborators, is highlighting these results to foster greater recognition of the vital yet frequently invisible contributions of veterinary care.
Boehringer Ingelheim released new global survey results today that bring to light the frequently unrecognized facets of veterinary medicine essential for safeguarding animals, human beings, and society.
Based on feedback from 1,046 qualified veterinary professionals in 51 countries, the survey pinpointed three of the most crucial yet underappreciated dimensions of veterinary care:
- Detecting hidden health conditions and pain, noted by 87% of pet veterinarians and 60% of equine veterinarians
- Guarding food-chain safety, indicated by 65% of livestock veterinarians
- Surveillance initiatives to curb disease transmission, indicated by 62% of livestock veterinarians
The results highlight the extensive influence veterinary professionals have on day‑to‑day life, from tending to pets in more than half of households worldwidei to protecting the animals and animal‑derived goods that contribute to feeding 97% of the global population.ii,iii,iv
“Each day, veterinarians make choices that have implications far beyond the examination room – for the animals they treat, for the people who cherish them, and for the food systems and public health we all rely on,” said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “With this Going Beyond survey, alongside our partners, we are shining a light on the worth of something many of us in the animal health field have long sensed to be true: the most essential aspects of what veterinarians do are frequently the least visible.”
The expertise concealed behind each quiet veterinary choice
That hidden expertise starts with many years of education. Diagnosing health concerns in animals and deciding on a treatment plan depends on a level of knowledge that is not always readily apparent. Becoming a veterinarian can require five to six years of university study, and specialist veterinarians may undergo four or more additional years of advanced training, meaning their decisions are shaped by over a decade of education and practical clinical experience.v For dogs and cats, this expertise can make the difference between detecting a condition such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease at an early stage and missing it entirely.
As expectations regarding animal health and wellbeing rise among pet owners,vi,vii,viii veterinary judgment becomes increasingly critical at every phase of care – from prevention and early detection to handling complex conditions. Yet much of this work remains invisible to animal owners, with 87% of pet veterinarians pointing to “detecting hidden health issues” as the most significant part of their job that is most likely to go unrecognized.
“Diagnostic and treatment choices are grounded in the veterinarian’s professional training and experience. This unseen dimension of expertise guarantees that animals receive accurate, 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 promote the long‑term health of our animals.”
The concealed strength of preventive veterinary medicine
A large proportion of veterinary care is preventive in nature, with prompt intervention and careful monitoring helping to stop problems before they escalate and reducing long‑term emotional and financial burdens on animal owners.
Yet when equine veterinarians were polled, they listed “detecting hidden pain and subtle early disease signs” (60%) and “using a horse’s environment and clinical history to forecast risk” (42%) as the most important but overlooked facets of their work.
In practice, this involves customised guidance on a horse’s diet, dental and hoof care, vaccination, parasite management, and stable maintenance, helping to lower the likelihood of conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory disease.
“Much of an equine veterinarian’s work goes unnoticed precisely because it is effective,” said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Its effect is observed in problems caught early, avoided altogether, or managed before they worsen.”
The veterinary care that protects food systems and public health
Livestock veterinary medicine – which cares for animals like cattle, pigs, and poultry – has a direct and quantifiable influence on the food people rely on daily, supporting roughly 34% of the world’s protein supply from food.ix
It also matters for public health, since 60% of infectious diseases in humans are known to be transmitted between animals and people,x and 70% of emerging diseases have animal origins.xi
Nevertheless, according to livestock veterinarians, the broader effect of their profession frequently goes unappreciated. In the survey, most identified “guarding food‑chain safety” as an element of their job most likely to be overlooked by the public (65%), closely followed by “surveillance to limit the spread of disease” (62%).
“Livestock veterinarians act as protectors of our food supply and frontline defenders against diseases that can pass from animals to humans – yet this function is rarely visible to the public who rely on it most,” said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “Recognising it is not only a matter of professional pride; it is vital if we are to attract, retain, and support the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health increasingly depend on.”
Backed by leading veterinary organisations
About the Going Beyond campaign
Going Beyond is a campaign created by Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration 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 organisations. Launched for the first time for World Veterinary Day 2024, Going Beyond highlights the hidden strength of veterinary care and the critical yet often unseen contribution of veterinary professionals. Through fresh survey findings and content showcasing real veterinarians, Going Beyond seeks to increase understanding of veterinary medicine and why it matters – not just for animals, but for people, communities and society as a whole – while making veterinarians feel seen, valued and motivated to continue 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 innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers an extensive array of vaccines, parasite‑control products, and medications for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a frontrunner in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim recognises that the health of humans and animals is closely interconnected and aims to create a difference for people, animals, and society. Find out more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical firm active in both human and animal health. As one of the sector’s leading investors in research and development, the company concentrates on creating innovative therapies that can enhance and extend lives in areas of substantial unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer adopts a long‑term perspective, embedding sustainability across the entire value chain. Our roughly 54,300 employees serve more than 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable future. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
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