Pet Ownership Costs on the Rise: New Report Reveals Concerns Among Pet Owners
By Nicole Kerwin, Pet Food Processing
Seattle – March 20, 2025 – A new report by Rover shows that pet ownership costs are growing. The survey of 1,000 pet parents finds that 52% worry that tariffs will raise the cost of care. Inflation also adds to their stress. Each word connects tightly to its subject and verb to keep the meaning clear.
Pet prices continue to rise. Many pet owners now feel budget strain. Twenty-eight percent of them worry about buying essential pet products. This fact ties cost and care closely for pet owners.
Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, and Rover pet panelist, explains the rising costs. “I work daily with pet parents. I see that higher expenses worry them. Yet, pet love binds them to their pets,” she said. She urges planning and saving. Her advice is simple: Set a clear budget and save for pet care.
The report also connects the initial cost of getting a pet with future expenses. It shows that a ten-year-old dog may cost around $34,550 in a lifetime. A 16-year-old cat might cost near $32,170. Longer pet lives bring a chain of increasing expenses.
Inflation and tariffs are especially hard. Owners may spend 85% more on treats, 183% more on cleaning supplies, and 20% more on grooming services. Almost half (48%) of pet parents worry about these rising costs. Thirty-one percent note that pet products now cost more than other goods.
Budgeting for Pets: A Balancing Act
Rover’s study shows that pet food and treats now take up most pet budgets. Sixty-nine percent of owners spend most of their money here. To reduce costs, 25% choose cheaper pet food. Still, 68% demand quality that matches their own standards. In fact, 20% look for even higher quality items despite cost pressures.
Many pet owners keep spending on their pets. Thirty-four percent say they would cut other expenses before reducing pet care spending. One in three even cuts back on groceries and fun money to care for their pets.
Insights from Canada: A Broader Context
Rover surveyed pet owners in Canada as well. Their costs are even higher. Cat parents may pay up to $73,585 in their lifetime, and dog parents up to $53,935. Annual costs vary from $930 to $2,400 for cats and $965 to $4,020 for dogs. Canadians expect dog care costs to rise by 18% and cat care by 41% soon.
To handle higher prices, 55% of Canadian pet owners now choose products made in Canada or found locally. Dog owners lead this trend at 57%, while 52% of cat owners follow.
Conclusion: A Need for Awareness and Preparedness
Tariff talks and inflation keep pet owners on their toes. They need to mind their budgets and connect their expenses with care needs. Rover’s report reminds us that pet care is a close tie of love and cost. It urges pet owners to plan ahead and manage their funds carefully.
For more details, view Rover’s full report. Stay updated on trends in the pet food processing industry by visiting our news page.
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