How Tariffs Will Affect the Price of Pet Care
By Laura Bradley
Published on May 14, 2025
We own pets. We care for our furry friends. We buy food, treats, toys, and vet care. New tariffs on imports force us to change budgets. Tariffs raise prices. Pet owners must know how these changes affect their bills.
Understanding Tariffs
A tariff is a tax. It applies to imported goods. The tax takes a percent of each item’s value. Domestic companies import pet products. They face this extra cost. Jessica Roy, a finance writer, says rising costs force firms to either import less or raise prices. Prices that rise rarely drop back. Roy compares tariffs to baggage fees that airlines keep even when fuel costs fall. New tariffs push up pet care costs in a similar way.
Potential Price Increases in Pet Products
Experts note that pet food may see milder rises. Matthew MacLachlan, an economics professor, says the US exports pet food. Fewer imports mean lower tariff effects. Yet, pet food from Thailand and China will cost more. In contrast, pet toys and accessories come mostly from China. Ninety-three percent come from China. This means tariffs may sharply raise their prices. The US imported nearly $721 million in pet toys last year. With higher prices, buyers may cut back on non-essential goods.
Impacts on Pet Care Services
Veterinarians may not change consultation fees immediately. However, they pay more for tools, equipment, and supplies. Many supplies come from abroad. Christopher Eaglin, a business professor, says rising input costs force service providers to raise fees. Prices for grooming, boarding, and other pet services will likely go up too.
The Butterfly Effect of Increased Tariffs
Tariffs affect more than direct consumer goods. They touch production, packaging, and transport. Manufacturers face rising material costs as well. Higher production costs make products more expensive and sometimes less available. This can lead to shortages of certain pet items.
Will Tariff Price Increases Be Temporary?
It is hard to say how long tariffs will last. Roy explains that trade policies change fast. If tariffs drop or vanish, prices may ease a little. Yet, once prices rise, they rarely fall back. MacLachlan suggests that supply chains might adjust. New trading partners or more domestic production could slow price hikes.
What Can Pet Owners Do?
Pet owners feeling price pressure can compare deals now that tariffs raise costs. Look for signs of shrinkflation, where packages hold less product, and skimpflation, where quality drops while prices hold. Stay informed about market trends. Ask financial experts. Explore alternatives. Adjust spending. These steps help you care for your pet without overspending.
For more guidance on handling tariff changes and pet care costs, consult financial experts. Keep an eye on pet market trends and plan ahead to maintain your pet care budget.
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