- Vetsource analyzed data from nearly 6,500 practices for its 2026 white paper.
- Average visits per practice fell 3.1% in 2025, with a 3.8% drop in wellness visits.
- Practices using multiple Vetsource services saw 40% higher patient bonding and lower lapsing rates.
- Report urges a shift from price-driven to value-based client strategies.
- Vetsource initiatives focus on cost efficiency, client communication, and pharmacy quality.
Visits Declining, Client Expectations Shifting
Vetsource®, a leader in pet pharmacy services and veterinary analytics, has released a new white paper—Turning trends into opportunities: Insights to meet client expectations and build loyalty in 2026—that highlights shifting trends in client behavior and veterinary practice performance.
Based on transactional data from nearly 6,500 veterinary hospitals, the report found that patient visits declined 3.1% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with wellness visits down 3.8%. The findings point to clients continuing to lengthen the time between veterinary visits and a growing need for practices to reimagine engagement and care strategies.
Value-Based Approaches Drive Stronger Bonds
The analysis showed that practices using a combination of Vetsource services—such as Prescription Management, Client Engagement, and Data Services—experienced 40% higher patient bonding rates and lower lapsing patient rates compared with those using only home delivery services.
These results, according to Vetsource, reinforce the importance of comprehensive, value-based care models rather than competing solely on price.
Opportunities for Practice Growth
Vetsource emphasized several key strategies for practices seeking sustainable success:
- Customer-centric pricing and operational efficiency — Simplified fee structures and meaningful savings to strengthen competitiveness and profitability.
- Enhanced client engagement — Data-driven communication through channels such as email, SMS, and the Vet2Pet app (offered at no cost when using Vetsource Prescription Management).
- Integrated operations — Seamless interoperability between Vetsource products and practice management software to free up time for patient care.
- Pharmacy excellence — Maintaining a best-in-class 1 in 75,000 error rate to ensure medication safety and reliability.
Supporting the Veterinary Ecosystem
“Veterinary practices have a unique opportunity to build loyalty by adopting personalized, technology-driven approaches that align with modern client expectations,” the report notes. Vetsource says it remains dedicated to helping practices navigate these shifts through integrated solutions that drive growth and stronger client relationships.
Information sourced from Vetsource’s company press release.
