Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Due to Tariffs Prompt Concerns Over Shelter Surrenders
IOWA CITY, Iowa — May 1, 2025 – Pet care is growing costly. New tariffs add to this strain. Pet owners face higher bills as costs surge. Forbes reports a dog may cost around $34,550 over its life. A cat can cost about $32,170. Owners now see expenses pile up quickly.
Tariffs Impact Care Costs
Devon Strief runs animal services at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. Devon said, “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me.” Her words show that pet care is a heavy burden. Tariffs make things harder for families. These new charges, set by the Trump administration, force owners to rethink their choices.
Darlene Olshansky works as a volunteer and pet trainer. She explained, “They get a pet and take it home, then they see the costs—and it becomes too much. Soon, those pets end up in shelters.” Her simple view ties the dream of pet ownership with real money issues.
Economic Pressures on Pet Owners
Families now feel a heavy load. Strief points out that tariffs, job losses, and housing troubles all join to raise costs. Pet care essentials, like vet visits and food, cost more. This makes it hard for owners to care for their animals properly.
Strief urges a careful look before adopting. She says, “Prospective pet owners need to learn about long-term costs before taking a pet home.” She adds that shelters are crowded. “There are many animals in need. The shelters lack enough cages and kennels to care for them in a safe and fair way. This is hard on both the animals and the staff.”
The Way Forward
The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center works hard for better pet care. They teach the community to plan well and support local shelters. With full knowledge of long-term costs, pet owners can choose wisely.
Local groups are urged to help and use available resources. By working together, we can keep pets safe at home.
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