The Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: What to Expect in 2025
Pet ownership rises across the United States. Costs rise with it. Rover, a top online pet care site, shows that dog and cat owners will face more spending each year.
Rising Veterinary Costs and Essentials
A new report, “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report,” tells us that dog owners can see up to a 7% price rise this year. Cat owners may face a 10% increase. This trend is the sixth year in a row of higher costs. For many, money worries grow.
Sara Amato, a 37-year-old web designer from Union City, New Jersey, tells her story of caring for her dog, Finn. She got Finn in 2022 as a puppy. She cares for him with careful attention because he suffers from severe allergies. Finn needs special food and training. Sara spends about $722 each month. Each year, that adds up to $8,664. One-time costs add another $8,804. ## Lifetime Costs Breakdown
The Rover report shows lifetime costs that worry pet owners. For a 10-year-old dog, costs can hit $34,550. For a 16-year-old cat, expenses may reach around $32,170. Such high sums make many owners feel the strain.
Factors Influencing Costs
Many things push costs higher. Veterinary fees, cleaning supplies, grooming, and specialty foods all add up. Veterinary fees might increase by 11%. Pet cleaning supplies may jump by 183%. Treats and chews could rise by 85%.
Economic Concerns Among Pet Owners
The report finds that 52% of pet owners worry that tariffs on imported pet products add extra costs. Many fear inflation too. Forty-eight percent worry about rising lifetime costs. Sixty-nine percent say pet food and treats use most of their pet money each month.
An Evolving Pet Industry
The pet world has changed over time. Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert, sees that pets are now family. In 2024, spending on pets hit $150.6 billion. In 2018, spending was $91 billion. By 2030, spending could reach $207 billion. People now spend more on health, nutrition, and lifestyle for their pets.
Planning for the Future
Planning ahead for pet costs is now common. Twenty-one percent of pet owners now include their pets in legal documents like wills. Many also think pet insurance is smart. One out of three owners considers it a good way to handle possible vet bills.
For Sara, caring for Finn is not just money spent. It is a rewarding bond. Even with the high costs of his care, she feels each dollar brings joy to her life.
Conclusion
Pet ownership costs keep rising. New owners must plan well. Even if adoption costs drop sometimes, day-to-day care expenses grow. Knowing the money needed can help pet parents give their pets the best care.
For more pet care tips and money advice, subscribe to consumer news outlets. Stay informed about trends and learn how to manage pet costs.
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. For further inquiries, readers can reach her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or connect through social media platforms.
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