Pet Ownership Crisis: How Tariffs and Inflation are Straining Budgets for Over Half of U.S. Pet Owners

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: 52% of U.S. Pet Owners Express Concern Over Tariffs

SEATTLE, WA — A new Rover report, True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025, shows rising fears among U.S. pet owners. Fifty-two percent worry that tariffs will push pet ownership costs too high. Prices for pet care products rise with inflation. Each word in this report depends on a clear link. Short links make the ideas simple and the reading direct.

Financial Strains on Pet Owners

Twenty-eight percent of pet owners fear pet products are already too costly. Pet owners face rising prices daily. Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary expert, says pet parents notice two clear things. One, costs are high and still growing. Two, pet parents stick with their furry family. The average pet owner faces steep lifetime costs. Caring for a 10-year-old dog may cost about $34,550. A 16-year-old cat may cost as much as $32,170. Tariffs and inflation add to these burdens. Pet owners might soon spend 85% more on treats, 11% more on veterinary fees, 183% more on cleaning supplies, and 20% more on grooming supplies.

Budgeting for Pets

Pet food and treats eat up most of the pet budget. Sixty-nine percent of owners spend the most on these items. Twenty-five percent choose cheaper food or care. Yet, quality remains a priority. Sixty-eight percent want products as good as what they use for themselves. Twenty percent search for even higher-quality items. In hard times, 34% say pet spending is one of the last things to cut. Instead, 33% cut spending on groceries or entertainment to care for their pets.

Pet Ownership Costs in Canada

The report also looks at Canada. Canadian pet owners face even higher costs. A typical cat can cost up to $73,585 in a lifetime. A typical dog can cost as much as $53,935 over time. Cats may cost between $930 and $2,400 per year. Dogs may cost between $965 and $4,020 per year. In 2024, rising costs could hit dog owners with an 18% increase. Cat owners may see costs jump by 41%. More than half (55%) of Canadian owners now prefer local or Canada-made products. Among these, 57% of dog owners and 52% of cat owners choose domestic options.

Conclusion

Inflation and tariffs make pet ownership tougher. The report shows that pet owners must budget carefully. Pet parents face hard choices about spending. For more details, see Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025. Stay informed on the latest developments in the pet food processing industry by visiting our news page.

contact mindful ai media creations here: mindfulaimedia@gmail.com