A new global survey of veterinary professionals finds that the most critical parts of veterinary care are often the least visible to pet and livestock owners. This, the survey says, highlights the underrecognized role these professionals play in protecting animals, people, and society.

The results draw on responses from more than 1,000 professionals from 51 countries. They show the issue most often diagnosed during hospital visits is hidden health problems and pain. 97 per cent of veterinary professionals focused on pets, and 67 per cent focused on equine health say “spotting hidden health problems” is the most important yet overlooked aspect of their role.

Published by Boehringer Ingelheim, the survey says 76 per cent of veterinarians also feel their role in protecting food-chain safety is overlooked. Meanwhile, 62 per cent say the importance of surveillance programs to limit the spread of disease is also understated.

The findings, Boehringer Ingelheim says, shine a light on the role veterinary professionals play in caring for pets and safeguarding the animals and animal-derived products that help feed an overwhelming majority of the world’s population.

“Veterinary professionals make decisions every day that affect far more than the animals in their care—from the people who love and depend on them to the food and public health systems that keep communities healthy,” says Fabio Barone, vice president of Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

“Diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on the veterinarian’s professional training and experience. This unnoticed layer of expertise ensures animals receive precise, efficient, and life-preserving care,” says Jim Berry, president of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Helping pet owners understand the full scope of that expertise is key to building trust and partnership with their veterinary teams to support the long-term health of our animals.”

“Livestock veterinarians are guardians of our food supply and frontline defenders against the diseases that can cross 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 a matter of professional pride; it is essential if we are to attract, retain, and support the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health are increasingly reliant on.”