Pet Care Costs on the Rise: How Proposed Tariffs Could Impact Your Wallet

Proposed Tariffs Could Drive Up Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

By Amber Grigley
Posted [Date]

Indianapolis, IN — Pet ownership grows popular. Many pet owners now worry about high costs. Tariffs can raise prices for pet supplies and services. The Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs add to these fears.

Ellie Cornett owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She battles high expenses. She buys special pet food. A bag costs about $50. She uses one bag every month. Her words show the heavy cost for many students.

Steven Howes owns an AKC registered Pembroke Welsh corgi. He sees costs climb too. He says that vaccination prices nearly doubled. Pet care costs add up fast.

A Rover report, called "True Cost of Pet Parenthood," shows dog costs may rise about 7% this year. Cat costs could go up by 10%. Experts link these jumps to higher tariffs.

Professor Andreas Hauskrecht teaches business economics at Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He explains that soft food comes in cans. The cans cost more because tariffs affect steel and aluminum. He adds that pet food ingredients come from Mexico and Canada. The supply chains connect these costs to tariffs.

Hauskrecht stresses that Hoosiers must notice these changes. He says Indiana is part of complex supply chains. This connects local business to national tariff policies.

Despite higher prices, pet owners like Howes stay true to their pets. He says, “For avid dog lovers and cat lovers, these costs aren’t going to stop us from providing the best life for our pets.” He compares pet care to raising children. “He’s like my third kid,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Rover data shows that by 2025, dog ownership may cost between $1,400 and $5,200 per year. Cat nurturing might cost between $750 and $3,500 per year.

As pet owners face these rising costs, they hope industry and government act soon. They need solutions that ease price hikes and keep pet care quality high for owners in every state.

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