Brace Yourself: How Proposed Tariffs Could Spike Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

Proposed Tariffs Threaten to Increase Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

By Amber Grigley

Posted and last updated on [Date]

INDIANAPOLIS — Pet ownership already costs more. New tariffs may add extra cost. President Trump’s tariff plan can raise prices on pet goods. Pet owners feel more strain from rising expenses.

Ellie Cornett is a college student. She owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She says, "You have to buy specific puppy food. It costs about $50 per bag. He eats a bag each month. That is a big expense for me as a student."

Steven Howes owns a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He says his vaccination bills have doubled. "My dog is AKC registered. That makes his care naturally expensive," he said.

A Rover report, "True Cost of Pet Parenthood," shows rising prices. Dog owners may see costs go up by 7%. Cat owners can face a jump of around 10%. Many pet owners worry about these increases.

Professor Andreas Hauskrecht works in business economics at Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He says, "Pet food is not cheap." He explains that tariffs make soft food in cans more expensive. Tariffs on steel and aluminum hurt the price of pet food. The supply chain for dog food depends on imports from Mexico and, less so, from Canada.

Despite higher costs, pet owners still care for their animals. Steven Howes said, "I know many dog and cat lovers. Tariffs will not stop us. It is like having children; my pet is my third kid."

Tariffs may affect more than individual buyers. Professor Hauskrecht notes that Indiana plays a key role in national supply chains. He urges residents to worry about the national impact of these measures.

Rover projects future costs too. By 2025, dog ownership may cost between $1,400 and $5,200 a year. Cat ownership might run from $750 to $3,500 a year.

Tariff talks go on. Pet owners now face higher pet care costs amid these economic changes.

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