Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Amid Tariffs Prompt Concerns of Increased Surrenders at Shelters
Iowa City, Iowa – Local shelters brace as pet care costs swiftly rise. Pet ownership burdens families. Dog care costs near $34,550. Cat care costs near $32,170. Tariffs push pet supply and vet care costs higher. Families face deep financial strain.
Devon Strief, animal services coordinator at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, stands surprised at these costs. She stresses that lifelong expenses harm family budgets. “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me,” she says. Her words connect the cost fact with a family’s everyday budget.
The Impact of Tariffs on Pet Care
Tariffs add new weight on pet care expenses. Animal advocates worry that families cannot manage these growing costs. Darlene Olshansky, volunteer and pet trainer at the center, adds, “They’ll get them and take them home, and then they realize — wow, this is going to be a lot. And then those dogs end up in shelters.” Her statement links pet purchase to unexpected costs and shelter surrenders.
Strief explains that tariffs, job losses, and housing troubles mix into a storm. This storm makes pet care harder. Families need vet care and food. Adding costs only creates more problems. Community funds and care fall behind while pet needs rise.
Urging Pet Owners to Research Before Adopting
As shelters stretch their limits, they urge future pet owners to study pet costs before adopting. Strief warns, “There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals.” Her call stresses that limited cages and kennels worsen the situation. Olshansky agrees, “It’s not fair for the animals, and it’s really hard for the employees.” Their words connect overcrowding with hardship for both animals and staff.
A Call to Action for Community Support
Local shelters call for more community support. Educating pet lovers about the true cost of care is now urgent. Pet care responsibilities rise in hard times. Shelters hope the community will act early. This action can help pet owners manage rising costs and avoid difficult choices.
Experts ask potential pet owners to check their finances. They recommend ensuring access to vet care, food, and essentials. Their advice binds financial readiness with a promise of safe, lasting pet care.
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