Trade Wars and Our Pets: How Tariffs Are Straining Pet Care Costs and Owners' Budgets

Trade War's Furry Victims: How Tariffs Impact Pet Care Costs

By Joel Schlesinger
Posted: May 24, 2025

Canada and the United States now clash. Tariffs hit American goods. These tariffs push up prices. Even our pets now feel the pinch. Pet owners in Canada bear the cost. Tariffs drive higher fees for pet care.

The Impact of Tariffs on Pet Supplies

Canada sets tariffs on about $30 billion in U.S. goods. Tariffs hit pet food and supplies. Prices climb fast. Tariffs also strike veterinary tools and equipment. Tools like diagnostic kits and sterilizers now cost 25% more. Vets raise service fees. The extra cost makes care harder to get. Many pet owners find bills a heavy strain.

A survey by Rover shows that some pet care prices climbed 50% in the last year. This jump comes before new tariffs. The trend paints a clear picture. Tariff-driven inflation pushes costs higher in the pet care field.

Rising Veterinary Costs and Consumer Concerns

Veterinarian Rebecca Greenstein runs a clinic in Toronto. She sees pet owners pay more. Greenstein watches inflation push prices up. Tariffs add extra worry. She says, "Inflation matters, but tariffs make costs rise." In her clinic, owners now face higher fees for essential care. The cost of surgeries and emergencies soars. Many families struggle with these bills.

The Broader Context: Inflation and Investment in Veterinary Care

Prices were rising after COVID-19. Tariffs now add to that climb. Private equity buys many independent clinics. Their aim is profit. They push prices even higher. Some clinics, like Greenstein’s, try to absorb extra costs. This effort helps clients. Yet many cannot lower these extra costs. The result is steep fees for pet owners across Canada.

Conclusion: The Cost of Care in a Trade War

Governments clash and trade wars rage. Tariffs hurt more than economies. They hit our pets and their families. These policies drive up care costs. As the trade war goes on, pet owners must stand ready. They should seek affordable care options. The fate of our pets reminds us that every policy touches life in a deep, clear way.

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