Rising Tariffs and the Burden of Pet Ownership: Shelters Prepare for Increased Surrenders

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Prompt Concerns Over Increased Surrenders at Shelters

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Pet care costs rise fast. Families face steep life costs. Tariffs add extra load. Forbes shows a dog costs about $34,550 in 10 years. A cat costs near $32,170 in 16 years. Shelter staff and animal advocates worry. They expect more pets to be given up.

Financial Strain on Families

Devon Strief runs animal services at Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She sees costs climb. Tariffs push up food and vet prices. Strief says, "The number was actually really mind-blowing to me." Family budgets feel the strain. Rising payments make pet care harder.

Increasing Economic Pressures

Job loss and housing troubles add more weight. Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, sees families struggle. Many adopt pets without knowing all future costs. They bring them home. Soon, they learn expenses overwhelm them. This leads to more pets in shelters.

Shelters Preparing for a Surge in Surrenders

The center prepares for more surrenders. Strief notes vet care and food cost cannot be ignored. Prices rise, and families find it tough to afford care. "They can’t live without vet care, they can’t live without food," she explains. Extra costs create real problems for a community.

Call to Action for Potential Pet Owners

Shelter leaders ask future pet owners to think hard. They need to research long-term costs before deciding. "There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals," Strief says. "They don’t have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way that works long term. It’s not fair for the animals, and it’s really hard for the employees."

As pet care challenges grow, community care and smart choices help. Check your finances and think clearly about life costs if you plan to adopt a pet.

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