Rising Tariffs May Lead to Increased Pet Surrender Rates in Shelters
By Jen Reeder, Contributor
April 16, 2025, 11:41 AM EDT
Pet costs rise. Tariffs push prices up. Families love their pets, but money issues now force hard choices. Owners feel the weight of each cost, each tariff, each decision.
Economic Pressures on Pet Ownership
Pet expenses grow fast. The lifetime cost for a 10-year-old dog nears $34,550. A 16-year-old cat costs about $32,170. Food, vet care, grooming, and supplies all add up. Tariffs raise the cost of pet goods, and each added price stresses owners more. Tori Fugate, director of communications at Shelter Animals Count, explains that the economy already drives many pet surrenders. When tariffs hit, the pressure grows, and families end up with even tougher choices.
Survey Reveals Pet Owners' Worries
A survey by Rover shows clear anxieties among pet owners. The report, "True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025," finds that over half of pet owners fear tariffs will raise expenses further. More than one in four worry they cannot keep up with these growing costs. Fugate notes that when finances tighten, each extra expense makes the pain sharper. Under economic strain, pets may be the first to feel the loss.
The Role of Animal Shelters
Animal shelters brace for a possible rise in surrenders. Many shelters run at full or near-full capacity. Each new pet added lifts the strain on these centers. Programs now stress fostering pets to keep them in homes. Temporary placements help owners find time to stabilize. Advocates urge policymakers to see how each economic decision ripples through communities, affecting those who struggle the most.
Conclusion
Rising pet care costs and tariffs create a tough situation for families and animals alike. As tariffs squeeze household budgets, more owners may face the heartbreaking choice to surrender their pets. Animal advocates ask for awareness and support so that pets can remain in loving homes. By working together to ease these financial challenges, we help keep pets safe and cared for.
For ongoing updates on this issue and more insights from the pet care community, stay informed and engaged.
contact mindful ai media creations here: mindfulaimedia@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment