The pet health report card is in: here’s what Australia’s pets are telling us

Pets are a part of the family, good times and bad. They sit on our lounges, use up our toilet paper and, every now and then, they need to visit a doctor. And just like us, those health check-ups can become more frequent (and costly) as our pets get older.

Unlike us, however, pets don’t have Medicare, so the costs of these vet visits can really add up.

That’s why PetSure, Australia’s leading pet insurer and the power behind petinsurance.com.au, has released its 2025 Pet Health Monitor report. The report is a data-rich look at the state of Australian pet health at a time when household budgets are under pressure.

Designed to provide a warts-and-all look at the state of Australian pet health, the report showcases the latest vet care trends and explores the cost of keeping pets healthy.

This year’s report draws on PetSure’s 2024 insurance claims data from more than 700,000 insured pets – the largest pet health database in the country – to shine a light on issues from price tags to poop (hey, we said it was warts and all).

By highlighting the rising burden of chronic illness and the growing complexity of care, the Pet Health Monitor explores how pet parents and their vets can work together to find the best outcome for your pet and your wallet.

Here are some key insights from this year’s report:

  • Contextualised care is proving a cost-effective alternative to one-size-fits-all treatments. Vets and pet parents are comparing notes to determine the best balance between clinical gold standards and real-life limitations. The 2025 Pet Health Monitor includes a handy checklist to help owners tackle these tricky choices.
  • Meds are getting expensive. Pharmaceuticals now make up nearly 30% of all vet care expenses. Long-term arthritis medication can run up to $1,488 annually, while diabetes treatment might set you back between $682 to $1,260 a year.
  • Diagnostics are the new MVP of vet care, but they’re not cheap. The average MRI scan costs $3,500 while oncology assessments can exceed $8,000; the upside is that these high-tech tools are driving positive health outcomes for our furry friends.
  • Cats and dogs alike are suffering from tummy troubles. Gastroenteritis was the most common claim for cats in 2024 and number two (so to speak) for dogs. One unlucky pet’s treatment cost hit $32,310. With around 13% of puppies and senior dogs affected, it’s an issue to watch out for.
  • Over half of cats aged 6-7 are overweight or obese, and most owners don’t even know it. Obesity has quietly become a major health hazard for cats, fuelling arthritis, diabetes, liver and urinary issues.
  • “Brachy” breeds remain in the health spotlight. Flat-faced dogs such as the French Bulldog, Pug and Boston Terrier were a whopping 93% of claims for BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, of course). One claim alone reached almost $30,000. These squishy-faced cuties are also more likely to experience ongoing eye, skin and gut issues.
  • In every way, cancer is still one of the costliest conditions for pets, particularly older animals. Lymphoma is the most expensive condition in dogs on average, with the highest 2024 claim related to cancer reaching over $61,000.

Commenting on the findings, PetSure’s CEO, Alexandra Thomas, said: “Veterinary care is becoming more advanced. It mirrors many aspects of the human health experience and as treatment becomes more sophisticated, it also becomes more expensive. This means that pet parents are paying more in pet healthcare costs on average.”

“Behind every data point is a real family making difficult choices about a beloved animal family member, particularly as the pet ages.”

“That’s why we’re supplying pet owners with information that empowers them to ask the right questions, understand breed-specific health risks, the likely costs of a course of treatment, and feel more confident when making decisions for their pets.”

Download the full 2025 Pet Health Monitor for data-driven breed and health condition insights, treatment costs and expert veterinary tips:

https://petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor/

Based on PetSure claims data, 2024

 

ABOUT PETSURE:

PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (“PetSure”) is Australia’s leading pet insurer. For over 20 years, PetSure has been the market leader in both size and innovation. PetSure issues and administers the pet insurance policies of over 20 partner brands.

As the category leader, and in close collaboration with members of the veterinary industry, PetSure continually seeks to extend coverage, keep pace with modern veterinary practices, and provide pet insurance policies that are transparent and operate with the highest levels of integrity.

In March 2023, PetSure obtained its own APRA general insurance license, making it the first general insurer in Australia that’s fully dedicated to pet insurance. PetSure is committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of the pet insurance category.

 

Disclaimer:

Unless otherwise specified, the data referenced in this article is drawn from PetSure claims data for the year 2024.

FAQs

What is the PetSure Pet Health Monitor?

The Pet Health Monitor is an annual report that analyses pet health trends, treatment costs and veterinary care insights using data from hundreds of thousands of insured Australian pets. It provides pet owners with information about common health conditions, emerging trends and the costs of veterinary treatment.

What were the biggest pet health trends identified in 2025?

Key findings included rising rates of chronic disease, increasing veterinary treatment costs, growing use of advanced diagnostics, obesity concerns in cats and the ongoing health challenges faced by brachycephalic dog breeds.

Why is veterinary care becoming more expensive?

Veterinary medicine continues to advance, with increased use of sophisticated diagnostics, specialist treatments and long-term medication management. Pharmaceutical costs now represent a significant proportion of overall veterinary expenses.

What are the most common health conditions affecting pets?

The report found gastrointestinal conditions remain among the most common health concerns for both cats and dogs, while obesity, arthritis, diabetes and cancer continue to affect many Australian pets.

How common is obesity in Australian cats?

Obesity remains a significant health concern, with more than half of cats aged six to seven years identified as overweight or obese. Excess weight can increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, liver disease and urinary tract problems.

Why are flat-faced dog breeds at higher health risk?

Brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers are more likely to experience breathing difficulties, eye conditions, skin issues and digestive problems due to their anatomy.

What role do advanced diagnostics play in modern veterinary care?

Advanced diagnostics such as MRI scans, specialist imaging and oncology assessments help veterinarians diagnose and treat conditions more effectively. While these technologies can be costly, they often contribute to improved health outcomes for pets.

Why should pet owners understand breed-specific health risks?

Understanding breed-related health risks can help pet owners make informed decisions about preventative care, early intervention and long-term health management. The report highlights the importance of education and proactive pet healthcare.