The Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Amid Tariffs: Shelters Prepare for a Surge in Surrenders

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Prompt Concerns Over Shelter Surrenders

Iowa City, Iowa — May 1, 2025

Costs for owning a pet are rising. People face high fees with pets. New tariffs add to the load. Animal shelters see a risk. Families may soon give up pets as they struggle to pay.

Forbes shows high lifetime pet costs. A 10-year-old dog may cost about $34,550 in total. A 16-year-old cat may cost near $32,170. Devon Strief, who works at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, said the numbers shocked her. She said, "The number was actually really mind-blowing to me."

Economic Pressures and Tariff Impact

Tariffs from President Donald Trump's policies now take hold. These duties raise pet food, supply, and vet costs. Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, noted a troubling trend. She explained, "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."

Strief added that job loss and housing issues also push families down. She noted, "They can't live without vet care, they can't live without food. And once we start adding more expenses, it only creates more problems for the community. It affects their ability to care for their animals."

Shelters Overwhelmed

Shelters now face the strain of these rising costs. Strief urges new pet owners to research the true costs of long-term pet care. “There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals,” she said. She stressed the problem is not just about space. "They don’t have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way. It is not fair for the animals, and it is very hard on the staff."

Conclusion

The situation calls for more care from potential pet adopters. Local shelters want more people to know the real price of pet care. As fees grow, the message is clear: know the long-term costs when you decide to adopt a pet.

Local shelters stay ready to guide new adopters. They stress understanding pet care needs as key to the well-being of both animals and families.

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