Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: 52% of Pet Owners Fear Tariffs Will Stretch Budgets Thin

Rising Concerns Over Tariffs Impacting Pet Ownership Costs

SEATTLE — A Rover report shows that pet owners in the United States feel more financial strain. Inflation and new tariffs drive up pet care costs. Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025 tells us that 52% of pet owners worry about higher prices. Of these, 28% fear they will not afford the essential pet products.

Financial Strain on Pet Owners

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, who speaks for Rover and runs Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, says that pet owners care deeply about their pets. She adds, "People worry about high costs. They still care for their furry family members." The report surveyed 1,000 pet owners in the United States. It asked about costs from buying a pet to paying for daily care. Pets now live longer, and costs add up. For example, a healthy dog may cost about $34,550 in 10 years. A cat may cost about $32,170 in 16 years.

Increasing Costs Across the Board

Inflation makes prices rise. The report shows pet owners now spend 85% more on treats and chews. They also pay 11% more for veterinary services, 183% more for cleaning supplies, and 20% more for grooming. Almost half (48%) of pet owners worry about these higher costs. In addition, 31% believe pet prices rise faster than prices for items like household goods.

Rover’s study finds that 69% of pet owners spend most of their budget on food and treats. As costs climb, 25% of owners choose cheaper pet food or care services. Still, 68% seek quality products. They treat pet food as carefully as their own food. In fact, 20% even choose higher-quality products.

Tough Choices for Pet Owners

Even with high costs, 34% of pet owners say they will cut pet expenses last. Yet, 33% try to save money elsewhere. They reduce spending on groceries and entertainment to help with pet costs.

The Situation in Canada

The report also looks at pet costs in Canada. Canadian pet owners face even higher costs. A cat in Canada may cost up to $73,585 in its life. A dog may cost up to $53,935. Each year, cat owners spend between $930 and $2,400. Dog owners spend between $965 and $4,020. Food and treats make up most of these costs. Rover expects an 18% cost rise for dog owners and a 41% rise for cat owners in 2025. Due to tariff worries, 55% of Canadian pet owners choose pet products made in Canada or sourced locally. This trend is stronger for dog owners (57%) than for cat owners (52%).

Conclusion

Inflation and tariffs add new challenges. Pet owners in the United States and Canada face rising prices. They must make tough budget choices while caring for their pets. Prices will likely keep rising. Pet parents are forced to find a balance between cost and quality.

To read more about Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025, visit their full report online.

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