How Proposed Tariffs Could Spike Pet Care Costs: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Proposed Tariffs Could Increase Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

By Amber Grigley

INDIANAPOLIS — In Indianapolis, living costs rise fast. Pet owners in the U.S. worry over tariffs that boost pet care prices. A new report shows that extra costs hurt families who care deeply for their furry friends.

Ellie Cornett is a college student who owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She says, “You have to buy the specific pet food for a puppy, and that's usually about $50 a bag. He goes through that in about a month, which is a sizable expense for someone in school.”
Her words link cost, need, and care in a tight chain.

Steven Howes, a pet owner with a Pembroke Welsh corgi, also worries about rising bills. He notes that even vaccinations have nearly doubled. He adds, “It’s like having children. We’re going to do whatever it takes to take care of them.”
His statement connects care costs with family expenses, keeping ideas close.

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership

A report by USA Today—built on Rover’s “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report”—shows dog owners may pay around 7% more, while cat owners might see a 10% hike this year.
Professor Andreas Hauskrecht from Indiana University explains, “As a dog owner of multiple dogs, I strongly disagree that pet food is cheap.”
Tariffs now hit key manufacturing sectors. This fact makes pet owners like Cornett and Howes feel the pinch in their wallets.

Supply Chain Concerns

Professor Hauskrecht explains that tariffs on steel and aluminum raise pet product costs.
He says, “Soft food is sold in cans, so obviously, cans are getting more expensive because of the tariffs. Furthermore, the ingredients that comprise dog food are largely sourced through complicated supply chains involving both Mexico and Canada.”
His words tie tariffs tightly to everyday pet products.

Implications for Pet Ownership

Pet owners stay strong despite rising costs. Howes shows that cost will not stop him from giving Ollie a happy life.
He says, “It’s like having children. We’re going to do whatever it takes to take care of them.”
Indiana residents care much about this issue because their state plays a big role in these supply chains.

Future Projections

Rover’s report shows owning a dog by 2025 might cost between $1,400 and $5,200 per year, and owning a cat might cost between $750 and $3,500 per year.
Economic changes push pet owners to brace for more shifts in expense.
The talk about tariffs continues. Pet owners should think about how these changes may hit their budgets.

For now, the bond between owners and pets stays strong. Their care, love, and commitment remain linked, close, and clear.

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