Trust in Tatters: Veterinarians Among the Few Trusted Professions in Latest Ethics Poll

In a time when Americans' faith in various professions seems to be dwindling, veterinarians emerge as one of the few careers still holding a majority's trust, according to Gallup's 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll. This comprehensive survey, measuring the public's perception of honesty and ethical standards across 23 professions, reveals a general decline in trust levels compared to previous years, with only a handful of professions, including veterinarians, maintaining significant public confidence.

A Decline in Trust Across the Board

The latest findings from the Gallup poll, conducted from December 1-20, 2023, show a noticeable dip in Americans' ratings of nearly all surveyed professions. This downward trend is stark compared to the data from recent years. For instance, labor union leaders, whose trust ratings have not declined since 2019, still only garner a modest approval of 25% for their honesty and ethics.

Nurses, traditionally holding the top spot for trustworthiness, have experienced a decline too. Although they remain the most trusted profession, with 78% of U.S. adults affirming their high ethical standards, these numbers represent a 7-point drop from 2019 and an 11-point fall from their peak in 2020.

Veterinarians: A Beacon of Trust

In stark contrast to the general trend, veterinarians have maintained a relatively high level of public trust. Gallup last surveyed opinions about veterinarians in 2006, finding that 71% of U.S. adults viewed them as highly ethical. Fast forward to 2023, and veterinarians still command a respectable 65% approval rating, demonstrating their enduring reputation for honesty and ethical conduct.

The Least Trusted Professions

At the other end of the spectrum, the poll paints a grim picture for certain professions. Members of Congress, senators, car salespeople, and advertising practitioners find themselves at the bottom of the ethical ladder, with single-digit ratings that have either worsened or stagnated. This decline is part of a broader pattern, where all but one profession (excluding veterinarians) have seen their honesty and ethics ratings drop by an average of six points since 2019.

Other Professions with Majority Approval

Despite the overall negative trend, a few other professions join nurses and veterinarians in maintaining majority-level positive ratings. These include engineers, dentists, medical doctors, and pharmacists, indicating that the public still places considerable trust in healthcare and technical professions.

Historic Lows and Concerning Trends

The poll also highlights new lows in ethics ratings for five professions – including members of Congress, senators, journalists, clergy, and pharmacists – with three others tying their historical lows. This is indicative of a growing skepticism among the public regarding various professional sectors.

The 2023 Gallup Honesty and Ethics poll reveals a significant shift in public opinion, with trust in most professions declining. In these challenging times, veterinarians stand out as one of the few professions that continue to hold the public's trust, a testament to their enduring commitment to ethical practices and honesty in their dealings with both animals and their human companions. As trust becomes an increasingly scarce commodity in various professional realms, the role of veterinarians as trusted community members becomes ever more vital.