Portugal is home to an estimated 1.5 million companion animals, but the money spent on medical treatment for companion animals (and the number of companion animals treated) is far below the European average.

Estimates show that only one in four companion animals is given any type of veterinary medical assistance in Portugal. Compared with the European average, 7.1% fewer cats are treated and 11.1% fewer dogs are treated in Portugal. On average, the Portuguese spend about 33.8% less on their companion animals than residents in the rest of Europe.

The importance of proper medical treatment of companion animals extends beyond the animals themselves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 62% of all human illnesses are transmitted by animals.