Tariffs Raising Pet Healthcare Costs: How Tucson Families Are Affected

Tariffs Drive Up Cost of Veterinary Care, Impacting Pet Owners in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Veterinary costs rise. Families in the United States feel the pinch. Pet owners in Tucson feel it too. Tariffs on medical supplies help push up pet care costs. Many supplies come from Asia, especially China. Prices for key items—medications, surgical tools, and equipment—are higher now.

The Impact of Tariffs on Veterinary Supplies

Douglas Patriquin, CEO of Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, says tariffs hit consumables and generic drugs hard. He adds, "It impacts us most in the consumables, the generic drugs, the equipment we buy." The higher supply costs make veterinary services more expensive. This change puts a financial burden on pet owners. Emergency clinics suffer the cost rise even more. They keep large stocks of medications and equipment for urgent care. Jill Gookin, a Tucson pet owner, shared, "It seems like when I took her to the emergency place when she got sick, it was way more expensive than I thought it would be." Many pet owners share this worry.

Consequences of Delayed Care

Experts warn that when pet owners delay care because of cost worries, small issues can quickly become severe. Early treatment is key. Vets ask that pet owners get help at the first sign of illness, even if money is tight.

Conclusion

Tariffs drive up veterinary care costs and stress pet owners in Tucson and across the nation. Families feel the financial pressure. Timely veterinary care is still crucial. Pet owners should stay informed and get help as soon as problems appear to keep their pets healthy.

For the latest updates and resources on this issue, pet owners are encouraged to stay connected with local news outlets and veterinary professionals.

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To keep up with important news and updates, pet owners can download the free KGUN app available on Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, and mobile devices, or sign up for daily newsletters directly from KGUN. Follow them on social media platforms for continuous coverage and community insights.

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