Nonprofit · Evidence-based · Since 2005

Helping pets live healthier lives.

Resources to help you understand body condition, start better conversations, and take the next step together.

2026 Surveys

Take part in APOP's 2026 research

APOP measures overweight and obesity in dogs and cats through two surveys. Add your clinic's data, or share your perspective.

Why it matters

A large share of dogs and cats carry excess weight, which is associated with a higher risk of conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and a shorter, less comfortable life. Measuring how common it is helps veterinary teams and owners recognize excess weight earlier and take action together.

For veterinary clinics · Now through Dec. 31

2026 Prevalence Survey

APOP runs this clinic-based prevalence survey every few years, and 2026 is the current cycle. Register any time and collect data on a day, two days, or a week you choose between October 1 and December 31. Records can be entered online through the end of the year. Qualifying U.S. clinics receive a stipend for staff time.

For vets & pet owners · Opens Oct. 1

Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey

Conducted each year and open to veterinary professionals and dog and cat owners. Share your views on pet obesity and nutrition. The survey link goes live October 1.

Help spread the word

Popular tools

Practical resources, all in one place

Start with body condition, then use the tools that fit your pet, patient, or clinical question.

Assessment

Body and muscle condition

View dog, cat, rabbit, and horse BCS charts, plus the dog and cat Muscle Condition Score chart.

View BCS & MCS charts
Calculators

Dog and cat calorie tools

Estimate daily needs, review current intake, check treats, and translate calorie targets into measured feeding amounts.

Choose a calculator
Guides

Weight-loss guidance

Practical dog and cat guidance covering measured feeding, activity, monitoring, rechecks, and veterinary follow-up.

Clinical

Veterinary team resources

Clinical calculators, BCS and MCS resources, client handouts, and communication support for weight-management care.

Open veterinary tools

Research & prevalence

Evidence behind the tools

Review current findings, survey methods, and APOP’s historical pet obesity data.

Methods & results

APOP surveys and data

See how clinic-based prevalence surveys and opinion surveys are designed, analyzed, and interpreted, then browse results by year.

Explore surveys and data
National reference

State of Pet Obesity report

Review APOP’s U.S. report on dog and cat obesity prevalence, owner perception, feeding behavior, and clinical trends.

View the report

Clinic survey registration

2026 Clinic Prevalence Survey

New for 2026: U.S. clinics that submit 15 or more records receive a $50 stipend for staff time.

Choose a day, two days, from October 1 through December 31 and record species, weight, 1–9 Body Condition Score, and owner perception for eligible dogs and cats.

  • October 2026
  • Dogs and cats
  • One day or week
APOP Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey logo

About APOP

Advancing healthier body condition since 2005

APOP is a nonprofit organization supporting pet owners and veterinary teams through prevalence research, body condition assessment tools, practical education, and evidence-based guidance for obesity care.

Learn about APOP
Since 2005

A focused mission

APOP works to improve how excess body fat and obesity-related health risks are recognized, discussed, prevented, and treated.

Prevalence research

Measuring what matters

Clinic-based surveys and owner opinion studies help reveal body condition trends, perception gaps, and opportunities to improve care.

Clinical tools

Assessment made practical

BCS and MCS charts, calculators, guides, and client resources support consistent assessment and individualized care.

Collaboration

Clearer standards

APOP works with veterinary and animal-health partners to strengthen definitions, communication, and obesity care.

Stay informed

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Receive new tools, survey deadlines, research findings, and practical guidance for pet owners and veterinary teams.

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