Pet anxiety claims have dramatically increased across the United States, with insurance data revealing a staggering 93% surge nationwide since 2019. This unprecedented rise in anxiety-related veterinary care highlights a growing recognition of mental health issues in companion animals and reflects pet owners’ increasing willingness to seek professional treatment for their animals’ behavioral concerns.
According to comprehensive data released by pet insurance company Trupanion, over 25,000 anxiety-related claims were processed in 2024 alone, with six states and Washington D.C. experiencing increases of 100% or higher. Louisiana led the surge with a 150% increase, followed closely by Washington state at 149% and North Carolina at 129%.
Regional Variations in Pet Mental Health Treatment
The geographic distribution of anxiety claims reveals interesting patterns across the country. Louisiana recorded 121 anxiety-related claims in 2024, representing the highest percentage increase despite its smaller population. Washington state, with 2,830 claims, demonstrated both high volume and significant growth, while major metropolitan areas like New York processed 1,260 claims with a 102% increase since 2019.
Other states showing significant increases include South Carolina (115%), Nevada (112%), and Washington D.C. (121%). Even traditionally pet-friendly states like California, with 1,479 claims, saw a substantial 65% increase, suggesting this trend transcends regional boundaries and reflects a national shift in pet care awareness.
The data encompasses various anxiety-related treatments, primarily covering medication and behavioral modification therapies. These interventions represent a growing understanding that pets, like humans, can benefit from professional mental health support when experiencing stress, separation anxiety, or phobic responses to environmental triggers.
Breed-Specific Anxiety Patterns Emerge
Veterinary behaviorists have identified specific breed tendencies toward anxiety-related issues. Among dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, and American Pitbull Terriers showed the highest rates of anxiety-related insurance claims. For cats, Siamese cats led the statistics, followed by Siberian cats, Bengals, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons.
Dr. Wailani Sung, senior director of animal admissions and wellbeing at Joybound People and Pets and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, suggests the increase may reflect improved owner awareness rather than an actual rise in pet anxiety cases. “I think more owners are aware about anxiety. They know how to recognize and advocate for their pets, and they want to help them,” Dr. Sung explained.
This behavioral specialist, featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary “Inside the Mind of a Cat,” has observed a shift in her practice over the past decade, seeing more anxiety cases compared to previously dominant aggression-related consultations. Her presentations at veterinary conferences consistently draw large audiences, indicating widespread professional interest in pet mental health.
Treatment Approaches and Prevention Strategies
Modern anxiety treatment for pets encompasses multiple approaches, from pharmaceutical interventions to behavioral modification programs. Insurance claims typically cover medications prescribed by veterinarians, as well as structured behavioral therapy sessions designed to help animals overcome specific fears or anxieties.
Prevention strategies emphasized by veterinary behaviorists include early socialization through puppy kindergarten and kitten socialization programs, confidence-building activities such as positive reinforcement training, and environmental enrichment providing both mental and physical stimulation. Dr. Sung stresses that “owners also have to be doing their homework” by implementing these preventive measures consistently.
The treatment landscape includes counterconditioning and desensitization programs, which gradually expose pets to anxiety-inducing stimuli in controlled, positive contexts. Additional recommendations include maintaining consistent routines, providing quiet safe spaces, ensuring adequate exercise, and offering interactive toys for mental engagement.
For cats specifically, veterinarians recommend vertical spaces and cat trees to provide security and territorial control, while avoiding significant changes to established routines that might trigger stress responses.
Economic Impact on Pet Healthcare Industry
The surge in anxiety-related claims reflects broader trends in pet healthcare spending, where owners increasingly view their animals as family members deserving comprehensive medical care. This shift aligns with generational changes in pet ownership, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z consumers who prioritize preventive and mental health care for their companions.
The insurance industry has responded by expanding coverage options for behavioral treatments, recognizing the growing demand for mental health services in veterinary medicine. This expansion represents a significant evolution from traditional pet insurance models that primarily focused on emergency medical care and routine procedures.
As awareness continues to grow, veterinary professionals anticipate further increases in anxiety-related treatment requests. This trend suggests a maturing understanding of animal psychology and welfare, where behavioral health receives equal consideration alongside physical health in comprehensive pet care programs.