The Hidden Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Impacting Shelters and Family Budgets

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Prompt Concerns Over Shelter Surrenders

By Lauren Avenatti
May 1, 2025, Iowa City, Iowa

Pet ownership costs rise. Tariffs push costs higher. Forbes shows a 10-year dog costs up to $34,550. A 16-year cat nears $32,170 in expenses. These high sums worry shelters. Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center readies for more pet surrenders.

The Financial Strain on Pet Owners

Devon Strief, the animal services coordinator, did not expect these high costs. “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me,” she said. Food, vet care, and more add up fast. Many owners find it hard to meet long-term costs.

Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, sees a trend. New pet owners often miss the true costs at adoption. "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 explained.

Impact of Tariffs and Economic Struggles

Economic struggles mix with tariffs. Job losses and housing troubles add to the load. Tariffs from President Trump’s time make things harder. Shelters feel this strain. Families now face more costs for vet care and pet food. “They can't live without vet care, they can't live without food. And once we add more expenses, it creates problems for the community,” Strief noted.

These costs force many families to surrender pets. Strief warned, "It's just going to create more problems for the community — for them to be able to keep their animals and give them their basic needs."

A Call for Responsible Pet Adoption

The shelter asks new pet owners to learn about long-term costs. Devon Strief stressed the shelters' urgent plight. “There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals. They don't have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way that's justifiable long term. It's not fair for the animals, and it's really hard for the employees,” she said.

Animal shelter staff and volunteers work hard for each pet. They hope that clear and simple advice will cut down on surrenders. More awareness and education can help ease rising costs and ease the strain.

For families thinking about adoption, the advice is plain. Pet ownership is a long-term choice that calls for steady money and care.

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