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35 <br /> Slide #12 1 <br /> Orange County Statistics <br /> • We can estimate that there are at least 12,550 low-income pet owners in Orange County. <br /> o As of Apr[[2025,21,416 people(14%of Orange County residents)were enrolled in Medicaid(meaning they <br /> make less than 1.4 times the federal poverty level). <br /> o As of Apri12025,9,163 Orange County residents were receivingfood stamps through the Supplemental <br /> Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP).Based on county food insecurity numbers,it is estimated that an <br /> additional4,000 residents may be eligible for SNAP benefits.SNAP eligibility is generally capped at 1.3 times <br /> the federal poverty level. <br /> o There may be overlap between these groups,but we can safely saythat at least 14%of Orange County <br /> residents or 21,416 people could be classified as having incomes so low that they cannot afford standard <br /> Living expenses,much less veterinary care. <br /> o Approximately 58.6%of North Carolinians own a pet(2018 AVMA study),so we can assume that of the at least <br /> 21,416 financially insecure individuals in Orange County,around 12,550 individuals own a pet.Therefore,we <br /> can estimate that there are at least 12,550 pet owners in Orange County who may have need of low-cost <br /> veterinary services. <br /> Slide #13 <br /> Comparison of Pet Owners Who Declined Care Due to <br /> Affordability or Perception That Care Was Not Worth the <br /> Cost,Based on Household Income <br /> Which of the following prevented you from getting veterinary care for your <br /> Access to Care pet(s)in the last 12 months?Select all thatapply <br /> Which of the following best describes the reason(s)you declined care?Select <br /> E all thatapply. <br /> • Veterinary costs have increased by over ■%Carewasnotworth the cost 0%Could notafford the cost <br /> 60 percent over the past decade. <br /> less than$36,000 <br /> • This is due to higher costs for the $36.000 to$59.999 <br /> medications and supplies,greater <br /> corporate ownership,decreased <br /> pharmacy revenue due to online <br /> $60.000to$89.999 <br /> competition, higher workforce costs, <br /> increased specialty services,and $90,000 or more <br /> reduced intermediate options. Pets are <br /> also livinglonger,and with older age there Aong pet owners who say they have not br their pet to the veterinarian within the past year,or <br /> g mhave e brought their <br /> declined care recommended by a veterinarian. <br /> are more medical expenses. <br /> Due to ound og,otals may sum to 70pWc tt% <br /> P PetSmart Charities-Gallup,Nov.13-20,2024,and Dec.2,2024-Jan.9,2025 <br /> GALLUP <br />