Rising Costs of Pet Parenthood: How Owning a Dog or Cat is Becoming More Expensive in 2025

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Across the United States, pet owners face rising costs. Pet care expenses for dogs and cats grow year by year. A recent Rover report—True Cost of Pet Parenthood—shows that costs now climb higher. Pet parents feel worry as numbers rise.

Rising Veterinary Costs and Monthly Expenses

Sara Amato cares for her dog with attention and love. She owns a dog named Finn. Finn is an Australian cattle dog mix with severe allergies. Sara, a 37-year-old web designer from Union City, New Jersey, tells us she spends about $722 a month on Finn. That cost, close in time to each month, sums to roughly $8,664 every year. Sara pays for special food, insurance, training, and grooming. She also met one-time costs of about $8,804 for puppy training and allergy tests. Each expense links directly to Finn’s health and care.

Projected Cost Increases for 2025

Rover’s report predicts a 7% cost boost for dogs and 10% for cats in 2025. Annual expenses for dog care may range from $1,390 to $5,295. Cat care costs might fall between $830 and $3,095. Each cost depends on breed, size, age, and any special medical need. A healthy dog, living 10 to 13 years, may total about $34,550 in costs over its life. A 16-year-old cat may reach $32,170 in total expenses. All numbers tie directly to the animal’s care.

Concerns Over Tariffs and Inflation

Pet owners also face tariffs and inflation. Many worry that tariffs make pet products cost more. A survey shows 52% of pet parents fear these changes. Veterinary care now climbs by about 11% in expense. Grooming and cleaning supplies also see strong price hikes. Many pet owners use 69% of their monthly budget for food and treats. In response, 33% of them cut back on other items. Each choice they make helps pay the bills.

Changing Perceptions of Pet Ownership

Humans now see pets as family. Pets share a home and a heart like children might do. Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer with Rover, notes that pet parents now treat pets as real family members. This view has made many spend more on pet care. The social shift links to the pet industry’s rise. In 2024, it hit a $150.6 billion value. Forecasts point to a $207 billion market by 2030. ## Preparing for the Future: Planning for Pets in Wills

Pet owners think ahead about care beyond their own lives. Only 21% now include pets in their wills or legal plans. Yet 40% plan to do so soon. Many hope for tax benefits to help with costs. For Sara, Finn is not just a pet; he is like her child. Sara says, "I spend whatever I have to make sure he is a happy, healthy, fulfilled dog." Each promise she makes links directly to her love for Finn.

As pet care costs grow, current and future pet owners prepare for expenses. They plan so that their furry family members get care today and in the years to come.

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