Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Due to Tariffs Lead Shelters to Brace for Increased Surrenders
Iowa City, Iowa — Tariffs drive pet costs up. Owners now face higher fees. A 10-year-old dog costs about $34,550. A 16-year-old cat costs around $32,170. Many pet owners now doubt they can support their pets. Shelters brace for more pet surrenders.
Economic Pressures Affecting Pet Owners
A Forbes report shows costs rise fast. Devon Strief works at Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She is shocked by the high numbers. “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me,” she said. Many owners do not plan for long-term costs. Tariffs from the previous administration hit household budgets. These costs may force more families to surrender pets.
Insights from Shelter Staff and Volunteers
Volunteer Darlene Olshansky sees that new owners miss the cost signs. They adopt a pet and then face surprise expenses. “They'll get them and take them home, and then they realize — wow, this is going to be a lot," she said. This surprise drives pets into shelters. Strief adds that tariffs, job losses, and housing troubles mix to hurt families. “They can't live without vet care, they can't live without food," Strief said. She adds extra costs only spark more problems for pet care.
A Call for Thoughtful Pet Ownership
The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center now prepares for more surrenders. Strief urges future pet owners to study long-term pet costs. “There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals,” she said. “They don't have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way that's justifiable long term. It's not fair for the animals, and it's really hard for the employees.”
As pet costs change, both current and new owners must review their finances. Taking on a pet now means planning for adoption fees and for every future cost. Public care and clear planning help ensure that pets get the care they deserve.
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