Pet Ownership at Risk: 52% of Owners Fear Tariffs Will Inflate Costs and Make Caring for Pets Unaffordable

Rising Concerns: Pet Ownership Hits Home Amid Tariffs and Inflation

SEATTLE — Recent work shows pet owners feel the pinch. The True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025 finds tariffs and inflation hurt wallet and heart. Pet prices rise steadily. Fifty-two percent of owners fear that high tariffs can make pet care hard to pay for.

Financial Strain on Pet Owners

The report spoke with 1,000 U.S. pet owners. Twenty-eight percent now worry about rising costs. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, who works with Rover and runs Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, explains that owning pets comes with many expenses. She notes, “Pet costs may seem overwhelming at times, but a healthy dog or cat often lives for ten or more years. Their love is truly priceless.” She advises that pet owners set aside money and plan budgets to help with these costs.

The report shows initial costs, monthly fees, and yearly bills. For a 10-year-old dog, care may cost around $34,550 in total. A 16-year-old cat might cost about $32,170 in its lifetime. Pets today live longer. This long life may push expenses even higher.

Impact of Inflation and Tariffs

Economic challenges raise prices. Pet owners now face about 85% more cost for treats and chews. They also see an 11% jump in veterinary fees and a huge 183% increase in cleaning supplies. Grooming supplies grow by about 20%. Almost half of the pet owners worry over the rising overall cost. Thirty-one percent feel pet prices rise faster than groceries or household items.

Of all spending, pet food and treats take the lion’s share. Sixty-nine percent say these costs claim most of their budgets. Some pet parents, 25%, now choose cheaper brands to ease the strain. Even so, 68% keep their quality high by choosing products that match or beat the quality of their own food.

Budget Cuts: What Pet Owners Are Willing to Sacrifice

Many pet owners still put their pets first. Thirty-four percent said pet care is one of the last expenses to cut if money gets tight. In fact, 33% already spend less on groceries and entertainment to care for their pets.

Canadian Pet Owners Facing Similar Challenges

Rover asked Canadian pet owners too. They report even higher lifetime costs. Canadian cat owners may spend up to $73,585 and dog owners around $53,935 over a pet’s life. Yearly, cats cost from $930 to $2,400. Dogs cost between $965 and $4,020 each year. Rover predicts that these amounts could rise by 18% for dogs and 41% for cats in 2025. Fifty-five percent of Canadian pet owners now choose pet products made in Canada. This choice grows among dog owners, where 57% prefer local brands—even with higher prices.

The Path Forward

Inflation continues and tariffs remain unsure as prices keep going up. Pet owners may need to plan budgets more carefully, choose local products, and make smart care choices.

For more details, pet owners can read Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025. Stay tuned for updates as economic changes affect the pet care world.

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