Pet Care Price Surge: How Proposed Tariffs Could Impact Your Furry Friends' Expenses

Proposed Tariffs Could Drive Up Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

By Amber Grigley
Posted: [Insert Date]

Indianapolis, IN — Pet ownership feels rewarding. However, new tariffs raise costs and worry many owners. Tariffs push prices for pet care higher. Many fear that their budgets will suffer.

Ellie Cornett is a college student. She owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She explains that special puppy food costs about $50 per bag. He uses one bag each month. That cost feels heavy. Steven Howes owns a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He notes that even basic expenses, like vaccinations, have nearly doubled. His dog is AKC registered, so costs rise naturally.

A report from Rover called the "True Cost of Pet Parenthood" supports these claims. The report finds that dog owners face a 7% cost hike. Cat owners may see prices rise by 10% this year.

Professor Andreas Hauskrecht works at Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He studies business economics. He says, “I strongly disagree that pet food is cheap.” Tariffs on steel and aluminum push up costs for pet food, especially canned food. Packaging costs more now. Many pet food ingredients come from Mexico or Canada. This mix makes the supply chain complex.

Despite rising costs, pet lovers like Howes do not give up on their companions. “If you know avid dog lovers or cat lovers, it is not going to stop us,” Howes says. He compares his pet to a child, saying, “It is like having another kid; he is my third kid.” His words show deep love and commitment.

Professor Hauskrecht adds, "We, as Hoosiers, should care about this. Indiana plays a big role in complicated pet supply chains."

Rover predicts that by 2025, dog care costs will range from $1,400 to $5,200 per year. Cat care costs may fall between $750 and $3,500 annually.

Pet owners across the country prepare for these changes. The cost of animal care grows more critical. Even though love for pets endures, rising costs burden many households.

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