(Photo courtesy of Ohio News Connection/Adobe Stock)

By Nadia Ramlagan

A new statewide poll showed Ohioans continue to struggle with access to veterinary care.

The findings were released as state lawmakers mull over House Bill 664, legislation which would allow registered veterinary technicians in the state to provide basic services such as vaccinations and flea-and-tick prevention.

Mark Finneran, Ohio state director of the group Humane World for Animals, said the poll also found residents overwhelmingly support expanding options to help address the shortage of veterinary providers.

“That’s one of the biggest reasons, unfortunately, that people have to surrender their animal. It comes down to cost and being, able to afford keeping their pet, and vet care is a big component of that,” Finneran pointed out.

More than 36% of Ohioans delayed or went without vet care for their pets in the past year because of cost or limited access, up slightly from last year. As currently written, the bill expands the use of registered veterinary technicians only for animals already surrendered to shelters. But lawmakers could consider amendments to the bill during November’s lame-duck session.

Finneran noted animal advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to update the bill to expand use of technicians to all animals, including those who live in households.

“Most people consider their pets to be part of their family. Just like the people in our lives, we want to make sure our pets have access to the best healthcare possible,” Finneran explained.

Nationwide, more than half of the nation’s pet owners say they’ve skipped needed veterinary care due to cost. According to CareCredit, the average cost for a routine vet visit nationally can range from $50 to $150. It can be hundreds of dollars more for diagnostic tests.