A new survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) conducted in the USA shows that many American pet owners lack awareness of body condition scores (BCS), and communication with veterinarians about obesity remains inconsistent.
According to APOP’s 2024 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey, only 40% of cat owners and 45% of dog owners are familiar with BCS. Even fewer have received a BCS assessment—just 27% of dog owners and 19% of cat owners reported receiving one from their vet.
More owners now recognise their pets as overweight or obese. In 2024, 33% of cat owners and 35% of dog owners identified weight issues, up from 31% and 28% last year. Fewer rated their pets’ condition as ideal—55% of cat owners and 51% of dog owners, down from 57% and 66% in 2023.
The report highlights a communication gap, especially among cat owners, possibly due to fewer vet visits or lack of formal discussions.
Most owners are open to weight conversations. Sixty-nine percent said they weren’t uncomfortable being told their pet needed to lose weight; 12% felt discomfort, and 17% said it hadn’t come up.
Trust in veterinarians remains strong; Eighty-six percent of owners believe their vet would be comfortable discussing obesity. Among veterinary professionals, 60% always feel comfortable discussing it, 38% said it depends, and 1% never do.
Terminology may also impact communication. Owners often use casual terms like “fluffy” or “chonky,” while veterinary teams use “overweight” or “obese.” APOP recommends clear, medically accurate, and compassionate language.
In terms of weight loss efforts, 62% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners have tried to help a pet lose weight. Sixteen percent of dog owners and 25% of cat owners used therapeutic diets. About one in three would consider a prescription weight-loss drug if safe and effective.
The survey included 581 participants: 322 US pet owners, 134 veterinary professionals, and 144 international respondents.