Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: 52% of Owners Fear Tariffs Will Drain Their Wallets

Concerns Over Rising Pet Care Costs Intensified by Tariffs, Reports Reveal

SEATTLE — A new report shows that more than half of American pet owners worry that tariffs will worsen the cost of pet care. Inflation drives up the price of key pet products, and tariffs add a new twist.

In Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025, researchers asked 1,000 pet owners for their views. Data links pet owners to growing concerns. About 28% of owners fear rising prices for pet products, and 52% worry that tariffs will push costs even higher.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital and a Rover pet panelist, said, “Pet parents face rising costs, yet their care for their pets stays strong. The love and benefits from pets outweigh money worries. Still, pet owners must prepare for higher expenses when caring for their pets.”

The report adds that a 10-year-old dog may cost about $34,550 over its life, while a 16-year-old cat may cost around $32,170. These costs are likely to climb as pets live longer. The data links cost increases to changes such as an 85% jump in spending for treats and chews, a modest 11% addition in veterinary fees, and a huge 183% hike in cleaning supplies. Both inflation and the threat of tariffs drive these rises.

Almost half (48%) of pet owners feel uneasy about long-term pet costs. In addition, 31% notice that pet product prices grow faster than prices for other household goods.

Budgeting for Pet Care

Rover’s analysis links the bulk of pet care budgets to pet food and treats, as 69% of owners state these are their biggest costs. To handle price hikes, 25% of owners now choose cheaper pet food or other cost-saving options. Yet, 68% continue to seek high-quality products that meet their own standards.

Even as costs rise, 34% of owners hold pet care expenses as one of the last items to cut from their budgets. In fact, 33% have reduced spending in other areas like groceries and entertainment to keep up with pet costs.

Impact on Canadian Pet Owners

The report also shows that Canadian pet owners face even steeper costs. Data links a pet’s lifetime care cost in Canada to figures as high as $73,585 for cats and $53,935 for dogs. Yearly expenses can range between $930 and $4,020, depending on the pet type.

Tariffs now add pressure, and 55% of Canadian owners choose local or Canadian-made brands even at a higher price. This trend stands out among dog owners, with 57% preferring Canadian products, while 52% of cat owners do the same. When buying pet food, 47% of owners opt for local brands. Here, 49% of dog owners and 44% of cat owners show a clear choice.

As inflation climbs and tariffs hang in the air, pet product prices seem set to rise further. Pet owners now face tougher budget choices to take care of their beloved companions.

For further insights, readers can access Rover’s comprehensive True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025. Stay updated with the latest trends in the pet food processing industry by frequently visiting our news page.

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