How Proposed Tariffs Could Price Pet Owners Out: The Rising Costs of Pet Care Explained

How Proposed Tariffs Could Drive Up the Price of Pet Care for Owners Across the Country

By: Amber Grigley | Posted and Last Updated

INDIANAPOLIS —
Pet owners face a rising cost. Proposed tariffs push prices up. Tariffs hit trade goods. Experts warn price hikes will hit pet care hard. Each tariff links directly to extra costs. Owners now worry about added bills.

Ellie Cornett and Steven Howes feel these effects. Cornett, who cares for her King Charles Cavalier, Winston, explains, “You have to buy the specific pet food for a puppy. It costs around $50 a bag. He uses one bag a month. This is a heavy cost for a college student.” Howes, who has a Pembroke Welsh corgi, adds, “He is AKC registered. That makes care naturally expensive. Even vaccinations nearly doubled in price.”

A Rover report, "True Cost of Pet Parenthood," shows dog costs may increase by 7%. Cat costs may jump by 10%. Inflation links directly to these numbers.

Impact of Tariffs on Pet Products

Tariffs target steel and aluminum. These metals form the cans for pet food. Professor Andreas Hauskrecht at the IU Kelley School of Business explains, “Soft food comes in cans. Cans cost more when tariffs hit steel and aluminum.” He links supply challenges from Mexico and Canada to higher pet food prices.

Howes stands firm despite rising costs. “Dog lovers and cat lovers will not stop caring,” he says. “It is like having children; my pet is my third kid.” Many owners share this link of passion over expense.

Wider Implications for Pet Ownership

Rising pet care costs worry Indiana residents. The state links deeply into a complex pet supply chain. Professor Hauskrecht remarks, “We, as Hoosiers, should care. Indiana plays a deep role in these supply chains.”

Rover predicts that soon, owning a dog will cost between $1,400 and $5,200 per year by 2025. For cat owners, the costs may fall between $750 and $3,500. These figures push many owners to rethink their budgets.

Discussions on tariffs and inflation continue. One truth links all: pet owners across the nation will work to care for their beloved animals with love.

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