This is a flat out amazing topic and has has my imagination racing. Just for context could someone give me an idea what percentage of vet patrons would likely be packing? (Both on person and in the vehicle they came in.) I imagine it varies by state but don't really have any clue as to what would be normal.
We were in a Dick's Sporting store in Florida last year. In the golf department I didn't notice a single person carrying but when we got around to buy binoculars and drool over the gun case we noticed at least 3/4 of the customers visibly had a weapon on them. I'm guessing the golfers did as well but we were not observant enough and weren't looking for it. For the rest of the trip we discussed which guns we would own if we lived there.
Final question. Do you automatically look for signs that people around you are carrying or do you just assume that everyone is?
Sorry to hijack the dog/cat topic but I just had to ask. As a Canadian gun lover the whole thing has fascinated me for years.
All the best.
The percentage of people carrying in any specific location, such as a vet, will be low. Of course there are exceptions, like at gun stores etc. Outside of New York and California roughly 7-8% of the adult population has active permits to carry, and not all of them actually do. Florida has the highest number of permits.
I don't automatically look to see who is carrying. We (TX) have open carry now, but I've never personally seen anyone openly carrying. Most people are used to carrying concealed so you wouldn't know if they are or aren't. FYI, I usually am, but not always.