Rising Costs and Tariff Concerns: 52% of Pet Owners Fear Unaffordable Pet Parenthood

Rising Costs of Pet Care Worry Owners Amid Tariff Concerns

SEATTLE – March 20, 2025 – Inflation looms. Tariffs loom. These forces make pet ownership in the United States more expensive. Pet owners worry. Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood report shows that 52% of pet owners worry about tariffs adding to rising pet care costs. Economic pressures push budgets hard. Pet owners now question if they can keep up with costs.

Financial Strain on Pet Owners

The Rover report surveyed 1,000 pet owners. The report finds 28% worry about buying necessary pet products. Rising costs force change. Twenty-five percent now choose more affordable food. Yet 68% still aim for quality products like those for themselves. Meanwhile, 20% search for even higher quality items.

Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, shares her view. She tells us, “Lifetime pet care costs can feel overwhelming. But the love and companionship from a pet is priceless.” Greenstein advises pet owners to set aside a budget and save money. She also stresses the need for regular veterinary checkups.

Cost Analysis and Trends

The report shows that a healthy dog costs about $34,550 in ten years. For cats, the cost nears $32,170. These numbers are set to grow as pets live longer. Inflation and tariffs push costs further. Costs may rise 85% for treats and chews, 11% for veterinary fees, and as high as 183% for cleaning supplies.

Almost half (48%) of pet owners worry about lifetime care costs. Thirty-one percent say pet product prices rise faster than other essentials.

Responding to Financial Pressures

Households tighten budgets. Thirty-four percent of pet owners say pet expenses are among the last costs they would cut. Many shift funds from elsewhere. About 33% reduce spending on groceries and entertainment. They do this to keep their pets healthy and happy.

The Impact in Canada

The report reaches beyond U.S. borders into Canada. A dog’s lifetime cost can reach $53,935 and a cat’s up to $73,585. Annual expenses vary. For cats, yearly costs average between $930 and $2,400. For dogs, they range from $965 to $4,020. In 2025, dog costs are set to jump by 18% and cat costs by 41%.

Here, trends run deep. Over 55% of Canadian pet owners now choose locally made pet products even when they cost more. This choice is strongest among dog owners.

Conclusion

Inflation and tariffs continue to drive up pet care costs. Pet owners must plan and budget carefully. The financial burden is heavy. Still, the bond between pets and their owners remains strong. People work hard to care for their furry family members.

Readers can learn more by exploring Rover’s full True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025. They can also follow updates on pet food processing trends in Rover’s news.

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