Rising Pet Ownership Costs: How Tariffs Are Impacting Families and Shelters Brace for Surrender Surges

Rising Pet Ownership Costs Prompt Concerns for Shelters Amid Tariff Impacts

Iowa City, Iowa — Pet ownership now costs more. Data shows a ten-year-old dog may cost around $34,550 over its life. A 16-year-old cat may cost about $32,170. These numbers come from Forbes. The costs raise worry for pet owners and shelters.

Financial Burden on Pet Owners

Devon Strief works at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She finds these figures hard to believe. “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me,” she said. Tariffs set during President Donald Trump’s term push costs higher. Many fear that more pet owners will surrender their animals to shelters because of rising costs.

Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer at the center, explains the worry. She notes, “They'll get them and take them home; then they realize – wow, this is going to be a lot. And then those dogs end up in shelters.”

The Impact of Economic Strain

Communities feel economic strain. Tariffs, job losses, and housing issues all add extra pressure. Strief explains that families struggle to pay for care such as vet bills and food. When extra expenses join these must-haves, the community faces more problems. Families may find it hard to care for their pets.

Shelters Overwhelmed

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, like many shelters, now handles many animals. Strief asks hopeful pet owners to study the long-term costs before adopting. “There are shelters and rescues everywhere with too many animals,” she said. “They do not have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way long term. It is unfair to the animals, and it is very hard on the employees.”

Seeking Solutions

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center calls on the community to support one another. They stress the need for careful, responsible pet ownership. Understanding the true costs of owning a pet may ease the pressure on shelters.

Rising tariffs and living expenses will likely keep this challenge alive. Pet owners and animal shelters in the area feel the strain. Community members must look out for their pets and think twice before adding an animal to their home.

For more details about pet costs and responsible adopting, please visit your local animal shelter or resource organization.

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