New Survey Reveals Missouri Pet Owners Love Adventuring with Their Pets--but a Majority Are Overlooking Key Preventive Veterinary Care

VANCOUVER, Wash., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its 70^th anniversary, Banfield Pet Hospital, the nation's leading provider of high-quality preventive care, surveyed 5,000 owners across the U.S. to uncover state-by-state pet owner superlatives.

According to these new findings, owners in Missouri are among the most likely to have mischievous furry friends, as they ranked No. 5 (26%) for reporting their pets are likely to get themselves into fun trouble outside, such as rolling in mud.

Adventure time with their pets is top of mind for Missourians. Of those surveyed:

• One in two say their pets always want to explore.
• Two in five say their pet loves going on walks to new places.
• One-third have pets that always want to be in the car with them.
• Nearly one in three (31%) often go on hikes together.
• One in five regularly take road trips alongside their furry companion.
• 16% say they've only taken vacations where their pet can tag along.

Despite these heartwarming findings, 68% are likely to miss a flea/tick preventive treatment. This is particularly concerning because:

• By the time owners notice signs of fleas, their pet can already be suffering the effects, and fleas can have already laid eggs in carpet and furniture.
• Tick populations are growing and can spread serious diseases to pets and people, including tick paralysis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and babesiosis.
• Year-round parasite prevention with a veterinarian-approved medication is key—especially in the summer months when spending more time outside!

With Banfield Pet Hospital locations across the state, pet owners in Missouri have convenient access to preventive care that can help keep their pets adventuring.

About Banfield Pet Hospital 
Banfield Pet Hospital is a pioneer in preventive veterinary care with more than 1,000 general veterinary hospitals nationwide. Each year, Banfield's veterinary teams provide care to over 3 million pets, including more than 2 million Optimum Wellness Plan clients. As part of the Mars Veterinary Health family, Banfield's 19,000+ Associates are committed to advancing veterinary medicine and giving back through programs like Banfield Gives Back—all in service of our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™. Press seeking additional information are invited to call the Banfield Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.

SOURCE Banfield Pet Hospital