Defining the term "underserved:" A scoping review towards a standardized description of inadequate access to veterinary services.

This scoping review aims to establish a comprehensive definition of the term "underserved" as it applies to communities, individuals, and populations with inadequate access to animal health services, particularly for dogs. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and analyzed 30 articles, applying concepts of One Health and social determinants of health, by using 3 pre-determined categories of contributors to and indicators of underservice. The review categorized article-specific exemplars into veterinary-dependent barriers; community- and individual-related barriers; and health and welfare indicators; with subcategories illustrating features of underserved communities, individuals, or populations in each category.