Concerns Mount: 52% of Pet Owners Worry Tariffs Will Push Pet Care Costs Beyond Reach

Report Reveals Concerns About Affordability of Pet Ownership Amid Rising Costs

SEATTLE — A new report shows pet owners worry about rising costs. The report finds 52% of pet parents fear tariffs will add to costs. It uses data from Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025. Many feel the pinch as inflation pushes up household bills.

Rover’s report surveys 1,000 pet owners nationwide. It pinpoints the growing cost of caring for pets. Twenty-eight percent say they struggle to afford pet products. Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian and Rover pet panelist, explains, “People worry about high, rising pet care costs. Yet they stay true to their furry family members.”

Understanding the Financial Impact

The report tracks both upfront and ongoing expenses. A 10-year-old dog may cost around $34,550 over its life. A 16-year-old cat may cost about $32,170. Pets live long, and costs rise with age. Inflation and tariffs may push these numbers even higher.

The figures point to steep price increases. Treats and chews cost 85% more. Veterinary fees jump by 11%. Pet cleaning supplies see a 183% rise. Grooming expenses grow by 20%. Forty-eight percent of pet owners worry about lifetime care costs. Thirty-one percent see pet product prices rising faster than household items.

Budgeting for Pets

Pet owners change their budgets to meet these costs. Rover’s data shows pet food and treats take up much of their spending—69% say these are heavy costs. To cope, 25% have switched to cheaper food or cut overall pet spending.

Still, about 68% look for quality that matches their own needs. Twenty percent are ready to pay more for higher-quality items. Even with tight money, 34% plan to keep pet expenses high. Thirty-three percent cut back on groceries and fun to save for pet needs.

Canadian Pet Owners Face Similar Struggles

The report also gathers views from Canadian pet owners. They face similar cost hikes from tariffs and inflation. Cat owners in Canada may pay up to $73,585 over a pet’s life. Dog owners may see costs of about $53,935. Annual spending varies. For dogs, it runs from $930 to $4,020. For cats, it ranges from $965 to $2,400. In response, 55% of Canadian pet owners choose local or Canada-made brands. Many pay extra to support local businesses. Dog owners lead with a 57% preference for local products. Cat owners follow at 52%.

Future Outlook

Inflation remains uncertain, and tariff threats linger. Pet owners in both the United States and Canada expect pet product prices to rise further. This may force many families to make tough money choices to care for their pets.

For more details, read Rover’s “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025.” Stay updated by visiting Pet Food Processing’s news page and subscribing to their updates.

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