The Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Impacting Shelters and Pets Across Iowa

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Sparks Concern for Shelters

Economic Factors Complicate Pet Care

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Pet ownership costs rise. A 10-year-old dog costs about $34,550 in a lifetime. A 16-year-old cat costs around $32,170. Forbes data shows these numbers. Animal shelters worry about these costs. New tariffs add more strain on pet owners.

Devon Strief, the animal services coordinator at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, said, “The number was actually really mind-blowing to me.” As the economy shifts, many families fear they will soon have to give up their pets.

Tariffs and Their Effects

Tariffs changed last year. They come from old trade policies. These tariffs raise pet food and supply prices. This increase forces pet owners to stretch their budgets. Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, said many new pet owners do not see the full cost. “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.

Soaring prices, job losses, and housing troubles add more pressure. Families find it hard to cover even basic pet care. Strief stressed the need for vet care and food. “They can't live without vet care, they can't live without food. And once we add more costs, it creates more problems for the community — for them to keep their animals and meet their needs.”

Shelters Overwhelmed

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center and many similar groups feel the pressure. Shelters near capacity warn future pet owners: think about long-term expenses before adopting.

“There are shelters and rescues everywhere that are just exploding with animals,” Strief noted. “They don’t have the cages or kennels to keep them in a humane way long term. It’s not fair for the animals, and it’s really hard for the employees.”

A Call to Research Before Adoption

Animal welfare groups share a clear message: do your research. Know the full cost of pet ownership. This understanding helps keep pets safe in loving homes despite high expenses. As prices rise and economic fears grow, careful decisions protect our pets.

Conclusion

Tariffs push up pet care costs. Shelters now worry about more pets coming in because owners cannot keep up. The community must weigh these factors before adopting a pet. This care benefits both animals and owners during tough times.

For those thinking of pet ownership, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center asks you to research all long-term needs. This care helps build a stable life for pets and families alike.

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