New Penn Foster Research Suggests Better Utilization of Veterinary Technicians Could Expand Access to Care

Study suggests practices have an opportunity to improve efficiency, strengthen retention and meet growing demand by empowering credentialed veterinary technicians to work to the full extent of their training

PHOENIX, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Foster, one of the nation's leading providers of veterinary technician education, today released a new report in partnership with The Harris Poll that found two converging trends shaping the veterinary industry: pet owners are spending more on their pets while struggling to access timely care, and credentialed veterinary technicians report they are not being fully utilized despite growing demand.

The research found that while 57% of pet owners report spending more on pet wellness products and services over the past year, more than one-third (36%) have delayed or skipped veterinary care entirely. 28% say they have waited three weeks or longer for an appointment when booking or were unable to secure one at all. At the same time, more than half (55%) of credentialed veterinary technicians say their clinical skills are underutilized, and 76% say current staffing structures create appointment limitations.

The findings suggest the industry's access-to-care challenges are not solely the result of workforce shortages. Rather, they point to an opportunity for veterinary practices to improve efficiency, strengthen workforce retention and expand access to care by enabling credentialed veterinary technicians to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

"Pet owners are making clear they're willing to invest in their animals' health, but too many are still struggling to access timely veterinary care," said Meghan Wells, DVM, MPH, an instructor in Penn Foster's Veterinary Technology program. "Our research suggests this isn't simply a pipeline issue. Credentialed veterinary technicians are educated and trained to take on a broader range of clinical responsibilities, yet many practices aren't fully utilizing those skills. Allowing technicians to fully utilize their credentialed training and providing them with autonomy canimprove efficiency, strengthen veterinary teams, and expand access to care."

The research suggests the barriers to greater veterinary technician utilization are often internal rather than external. Veterinary technicians most frequently point to clinic culture that views technicians primarily as assistants (44%), clinic policies and protocols (42%), and veterinarian trust and comfort levels (38%) as the biggest obstacles to practicing to the full extent of their education and training.

Those barriers may also be contributing to retention challenges. Veterinary technicians report wanting greater opportunities to apply their training, take on advanced responsibilities and continue growing professionally, which are all factors that can influence long-term job satisfaction and retention.

The findings also suggest pet owners are ready for a more expanded role for credentialed veterinary technicians. Seventy-seven percent say credentialed veterinary technicians are extremely or very valuable, and nearly two-thirds (65%) say they have scheduled or would be interested in scheduling an appointment directly with a credentialed veterinary technician, even without seeing a veterinarian.

Many veterinary technicians believe expanding their role could help practices meet growing demand. 71% support a tiered care model that includes technician-led visits as a way to improve access and affordability. A majority also say they are qualified to independently conduct vaccine administration and follow-ups (80%), routine wellness exams (78%), and client education and care plans (69%).

Some clinics are already leading by example in this regard, including Elevated Veterinary Solutions – a New Jersey-based veterinary care group that invests heavily in their credentialed vet techs, in both clinical responsibility and in compensation.

"One of the biggest opportunities in veterinary medicine is already inside the practice: credentialed veterinary technicians," said Torie Madore, CEO of Elevated Veterinary Solutions. "We've seen firsthand in our own clinics that when we invest in technicians and trust them to own a greater share of responsibility, it improves efficiency, supports retention and elevates the experience for clients and patients alike. Technicians are trained to do far more than many people realize, and when practices fully leverage that expertise, they can expand access to care without sacrificing quality."

As one of the nation's leading providers of veterinary technician education, Penn Foster partners with employers across the country to strengthen talent pipelines and prepare veterinary technicians with the skills needed to support the evolving needs of veterinary practices.

To find the full report, click here.

Methodology
The report combines findings from two surveys conducted in June 2026. Penn Foster's pet owner survey included 509 U.S. pet owners. The veterinary technician survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Penn Foster from June 8 - 15, 2026, among 206 Veterinary Technicians ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + /- 6.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Steven Shaw at [email protected]. 

About Penn Foster
Penn Foster is a leading provider of online, career-focused education for learners seeking flexible pathways to high school completion and careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare and veterinary care. A pioneer in accessible education for more than a century, Penn Foster has helped generations of learners build practical skills and earn credentials aligned with workforce needs. Founded in 1890, Penn Foster focuses on creating pathways to greater economic mobility through real-world, in-demand skills designed to support long-term success in a rapidly evolving job market. Learn more at pennfoster.edu.

SOURCE Penn Foster