Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: 52% of Owners Fear Tariffs Will Make Caring for Pets Too Expensive

Majority of Pet Owners Concerned About Rising Costs Due to Tariffs

Rising Costs of Pet Care Hit Wallets of Pet Parents

March 20, 2025, SEATTLE — A new Rover report shows that most U.S. pet owners feel anxious. They worry about high costs. Inflation and potential tariffs push prices up. Rover’s "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025" finds that 52% of pet parents worry. They fear that tariffs will add to pet care costs while keeping them under stress.

Every day, costs climb. The report shows that 28% of pet owners worry about buying essential pet items. Tight budgets force many families to cut back.

Expert Insights on Pet Care Costs

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, and a Rover pet expert from Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, explained the situation. She said pet owners love their pets. She added that rising costs cannot dull their care. Greenstein stressed that making a budget or savings plan is key. She also noted that focusing on preventive care helps ease financial strain.

The report collected opinions from 1,000 pet owners in the United States. It looked at all pet care expenses. For example, a 10-year-old dog costs about $34,550 over its lifetime. A 16-year-old cat costs around $32,170. Inflation and tariffs may push these costs up. Treats and chews may cost about 85% more. Veterinary fees could jump 11%. Pet cleaning supplies might see a 183% increase.

Budget Breakdown of Pet Ownership

Rover’s report shows that 69% of pet owners spend most of their money on food and treats. As prices rise, many pet parents change their spending. About 25% have switched to cheaper pet food or pet care services. They want to save money.

Still, quality matters. Sixty-eight percent of pet parents look for quality similar to their own food. Another 20% choose even higher-quality items. Even though pet costs grow, 34% say they will protect spending for their pets. In fact, 33% cut costs in areas like groceries and fun to keep pet budgets intact.

The Situation for Canadian Pet Owners

The report also covers pet owners in Canada, who face higher lifetime costs. Canadian cat parents may spend as much as $73,585. Dog owners may pay up to $53,935. Canadians spend $930 to $2,400 per year for cats and $965 to $4,020 for dogs. With prices rising, dog expenses may jump 18%. Cat expenses may rise by 41% from last year.

In reaction to tariffs, 55% of Canadian pet owners now choose local or Canadian-made products—even if they cost more. This trend is strong for dog owners, with 57% favoring local brands.

Conclusion

Inflation and tariffs shape pet ownership expenses. Pet owners face higher costs every day. Many are rethinking their spending. Yet, they still put their pet’s health first. As costs grow, the need for carefully planned budgets will increase. Pet care products remain in demand.

For more details from Rover's "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025," visit their website.

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