The Hidden Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs and Economic Strain Are Leading to Shelter Surrenders

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Intensified by Tariffs, Shelters Prepare for Increased Surrenders

IOWA CITY, Iowa — In Iowa City, pet costs rise fast. A 10-year-old dog costs about $34,550 over its life. A 16-year-old cat costs around $32,170. Forbes reports these figures. Local animal welfare groups worry. They see more pet surrenders as expenses grow.

Devon Strief, animal services coordinator at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, finds these numbers shocking. She said, "The number was actually really mind-blowing to me." Her words point to hidden costs in pet care.

Tariffs, set during President Donald Trump’s term, now have weight. These tariffs push up prices for pet food, supplies, and key services. Experts warn that rising costs may overwhelm families. They say some will have to give up their pets.

Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, adds that adopting a pet can seem simple at first. She said, "It’s not uncommon for people to adopt a pet, and then realize how much care and commitment is truly involved." Soon, the true cost makes owners hesitate. This often means pets return to shelters.

The mix of tariffs, job losses, and housing troubles makes pet care even harder. Strief explains that families now struggle with basics like veterinary visits and food. Each small added expense can cause bigger problems. Shelters and communities feel this pressure.

Strief warned, "Once we start adding more expenses, it just creates more issues for families to keep their animals and meet basic needs." Shelters across the region share this concern. They brace themselves for an influx of surrendered pets.

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center urges potential pet owners to learn all the long-term costs before they adopt. "There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals," Strief said. "They don’t have the cages or kennels to care for them in a humane way over time. It’s not fair for the animals, and it’s really hard for the employees."

The community must now focus on responsible pet ownership. Understanding the full cost of pet care is very important. Prospective pet owners need to weigh the financial side before making a lifelong commitment.

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