Concerns Rise Among Pet Owners as Tariffs Threaten Affordability of Pet Care
SEATTLE — Many pet owners in the United States feel uneasy about new tariffs on pet products. Tariffs push prices higher during rising inflation. A Rover report called “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025” shows 52% of pet parents worry tariffs will raise pet ownership costs even more.
Rising Costs of Pet Care
Pet product prices climb steadily. Nearly 28% of pet owners fear they cannot afford these essentials. Owners have always worried about costs. Now, tariffs add to that concern.
Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, works daily with pet parents. She is also a Rover panelist and owner of Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital. She said, "People worry about high and rising pet care costs. Yet, pet parents stay devoted to their furry family." She advises careful financial planning and preventive care. Even when costs are high, the comfort pets bring is priceless.
Financial Breakdown of Pet Ownership
The report surveyed 1,000 pet parents across the country. It checked expenses from adoption fees to monthly and yearly costs. For example, a 10-year-old dog may cost about $34,550 in a lifetime. A 16-year-old cat’s care may reach $32,170. As pets live longer, costs grow too.
Tariffs may boost these costs further. The report predicts price hikes of:
- 85% for treats and chews
- 11% for veterinary fees
- 183% for pet cleaning supplies
- 20% for grooming supplies
Almost 48% of pet owners worry about rising expenses. Thirty-one percent say pet product prices grow faster than other items.
Pet Food: A Major Concern
Sixty-nine percent of pet owners report that food and treats are the largest expense. With prices climbing, 25% of pet parents now choose cheaper food or care services. Still, many want high-quality products. Sixty-eight percent promise to buy quality items. Twenty percent are even willing to pay more for better products.
Despite these changes, 34% of pet owners say pet spending is one of their last cuts if budgets tighten. To manage rising prices, 33% have reduced spending on groceries or entertainment.
The Situation in Canada
Canadian pet owners share similar worries. In Canada, a cat may cost up to $73,585 over its lifetime. A dog may cost around $53,935. Yearly spending ranges from $930 to $2,400 for cats and $965 to $4,020 for dogs.
Due to tariff concerns, 55% of Canadian pet owners choose local or Canada-made pet brands, even if they cost more. Among them, 57% of dog owners favor Canadian products.
Looking Ahead
Inflation and the threat of tariffs make pet care costs even tougher for many. As these costs continue to affect household budgets, many pet owners may need to change their financial plans.
For more details on pet costs, check Rover's True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025.
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