The Hidden Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs are Driving Families to Shelters

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Linked to Tariffs, Shelters Anticipate Increased Surrenders

Iowa City, Iowa — The cost of owning a pet rises day by day. Animal shelters feel worry. Estimates show a pet’s lifetime cost is high. A ten-year-old dog costs about $34,550. A sixteen-year-old cat costs near $32,170. Forbes reports these figures.

The Impact of Tariffs

Devon Strief works at Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. Devon sees high expenses and feels shock. “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me,” she said. President Trump’s tariffs affect many goods. The tariffs add pressure. Families feel the weight of rising costs. Pet owners worry over long-term care. More owners may surrender their pets.

Darlene Olshansky, a pet trainer and volunteer, sees a clear trend. “They'll get them and take them home, and then they realize — wow, this is going to be a lot. And then those dogs end up in shelters,” she said.

Struggling Families and Their Pets

Tariffs join job losses and housing problems. Families strain to cover pet care costs. Strief explains they need vet care and food. More expenses create trouble. Shelters feel overrun by animals. “There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals,” she said. They lack enough cages or kennels. The care provided struggles to meet humane standards. This is hard on the animals and on the staff.

Advice for Potential Pet Owners

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center urges careful research before adoption. New pet owners must learn the long-term cost. Caring for a pet demands commitment. Such care keeps both animal and owner at peace. Awareness and clear choice help pets find forever homes where they thrive.

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