Saturday, May 3, 2025

Unleashing the Financial Reality: Rover's 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report Reveals Rising Expenditures

Unleashing the Financial Reality: Rover

Rover Releases the True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report for 2025

SEATTLE, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)
Rover is the largest online pet care marketplace. Rover published its sixth annual report. The report is called "True Cost of Pet Parenthood." It gives clear insights into the money needed for dog and cat care. Costs are rising because of inflation and new tariffs.

Rising Costs for Pet Owners

The report shows that pet care costs over a pet's lifetime have risen steeply. A 10-year-old dog now costs about $34,550. A 16-year-old cat typically costs about $32,170. These amounts can change. They depend on breed, size, health, and lifespan. Cats usually live longer than dogs.

Pet parents should plan for higher spending in 2025. Veterinary fees are expected to go up by 11%. Pet cleaning supplies may jump by 183%. Grooming supplies might increase by 20%. Treats and chews may rise by 85%. Over 28% of pet parents worry about paying for basics. Meanwhile, 52% fear that tariffs will make costs worse.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein said,
"I work with pet parents every day. They face rising costs. Yet their care for pets stays strong. Financial planning can help. A clear plan makes pet parenthood easier and more rewarding."

Changing Costs of Pet Adoption

Pet care costs have grown, but pet adoption fees have dropped. Today a new dog costs between $1,150 and $4,420. A new cat costs between $750 and $2,715. This is a drop of 19% for dogs and 16% for cats. Lower adoption fees come as rates decline. New pet parents now find it easier to adopt from shelters. Adoption packages usually include initial shots and spay or neuter services.

Insights into Pet Spending and Budgeting

The report explores how pet owners adjust their budgets when costs rise. Key findings include:

  • 69% say pet food and treats make up most of their spending.
  • 33% cut other spending, such as groceries or entertainment, for pet needs.
  • 25% change their lifestyles to manage pet costs.
  • 34% would cut pet spending last if budgets tighten.

Sixty-eight percent of pet parents want pet products that match the quality of their own items. About 52% consider factors like size and breed when choosing a pet.

Financial Planning for Pet Parenthood

Pet care now belongs in financial planning. 21% of pet owners have named their pets in legal documents. 40% plan to do so soon. Also, 44% wish for more tax benefits related to pet care.

Cost Management Strategies

Many pet parents plan for unexpected costs. Common strategies include:

• Setting aside money for vet visits (31%).
• Keeping a budget and tracking spending (30%).
• Using subscription services for toys and supplies (19%).
• Buying pet insurance (18%).

Notably, 33% believe pet insurance is a smart cost-saving move.

Regional Variations in Pet Care Costs

Pet care costs differ greatly by area. The report lists the top ten most affordable and least affordable cities for pet owners:

Most Affordable Cities:

  1. Parsons, KS
  2. Lawton, OK
  3. Anniston, AL
  4. Springfield, MO
  5. Tupelo, MS
  6. Evansville, IN
  7. Jonesboro, AR
  8. McAllen, TX
  9. Beckley, WV
  10. Dayton, OH

Least Affordable Cities:

  1. Manhattan, NY
  2. San Francisco, CA
  3. Greenwich, CT
  4. Seattle, WA
  5. Honolulu, HI
  6. Bethesda, MD
  7. Anchorage, AK
  8. Boston, MA
  9. Portland, ME
  10. Hoboken, NJ

For full details and more insight into pet care costs in different cities, please visit Rover's website.

About Rover

Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Rover connects pet parents with trusted pet care providers. Rover offers many services, from overnight stays to dog walking and training. For more information, visit www.rover.com.

Contact:
Kristin Sandberg
pr@rover.com
360-510-6365

### End of Release

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Empowering Local Pharmacies: The Movement for Reform to Secure Their Future

Empowering Local Pharmacies: The Movement for Reform to Secure Their Future

In recent years, local pharmacies in the United States face many threats. Drug prices rise. PBMs push rules. Family-run stores close. Iowa lawmakers now offer hope for change. New ideas aim to save these key community spots. This article explains why reform is needed, what changes are proposed, and how they may help pharmacies and the people they serve.

The Reality on the Ground

In Iowa, 31 pharmacies closed in one year. Unsound business models and strict PBM rules force closures. PBMs now set the terms. Local owners cannot meet these demands. Randi McDonough from the Iowa Pharmacy Association speaks for many. She calls for change that lets the free market work well. Patients then choose their own pharmacies, free from unfair rules and extra costs.

The truth is clear. Without strong reform, more stores will close. Many owners lose tens of thousands of dollars each year. Local pharmacies try new ideas. Some mix telepharmacy with regular service. Yet, these fixes still fall short for lasting health.

Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers

PBMs play a large part in pharmacy care. They link pharmacies, insurers, and patients. PBMs may help with drug costs. But their rules can limit patient choices. For example, a patient may be forced to visit a PBM-linked pharmacy instead of a local one. This rule hurts old bonds and makes care more complex.

Lawmakers now propose changes to PBMs. They want more rules to ensure fairness. These new laws may boost pharmacy reimbursement so that local stores can cover costs and keep their doors open.

Legislative Response and Proposed Reforms

Iowa legislators discuss rules that target PBMs. Their proposals include:

  1. Fair Pricing for Pharmacies
    New rules would set better pay for prescriptions. Local pharmacies say they lose money on nearly 40% of the orders. Fair pay would keep community services strong.

  2. Patient Choice
    Reforms would boost patient power. Patients could pick their own pharmacy, even if it is outside a PBM system. This shift stays true to the bond between pharmacists and patients and supports personal care.

  3. Evidence-Based Assurance
    Critics say change may hike insurance costs. Yet, data from Arkansas and Indiana show no such rise. Their reforms helped both pharmacies and patients. This proof supports the need for fair and clear rules.

The Community Impact

This fight for reform is more than protecting businesses. It guards community health. Pharmacies offer key services like care advice and medicine checks. When a pharmacy closes, patients – especially in rural areas – may not get the medicine or guidance they need.

State lawmakers now deliberate. With limited time in the session, advocates press fast action. They seek to stop more closures so local pharmacies can thrive.

Looking Ahead

The drive for pharmacy reform is a step toward a better future. Supporting new laws to check PBMs paves the way for fair pay and true patient choice. Change can give local pharmacies a strong base. As efforts grow, they reflect a wider need for healthcare that fits the patient before profit.

The fate of local pharmacies rests on group effort, clear support, and new laws. Patients, pharmacists, and lawmakers must join to keep these vital services open for today and tomorrow.

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Brace Yourself: How New Tariffs Are Set to Impact US Pet Owners' Budgets and Choices

Brace Yourself: How New Tariffs Are Set to Impact US Pet Owners

U.S. Pet Owners Face Rising Prices as Tariffs Take Effect

By Zhang Yiyi

Published: April 21, 2025, 09:39 PM

Tariffs by the U.S. government hurt the pet care sector. Experts and insiders warn U.S. pet owners will soon face problems. They may struggle to get food and accessories for their pets.

Rising Costs Ahead

Tariffs hit many businesses and consumers. Many products now cost more. Petworks.com, a pet care platform, says many pet accessories come from China. Tariffs on products from China raise retail prices, which strains consumers’ budgets.

Liu Xiaoxia, deputy secretary-general of the China Animal Agriculture Association’s pet division, spoke in an interview with the Global Times. He explained that early stockpiling kept the U.S. pet market stable. But he warned that major trouble could come later this year. “We could be facing major trouble,” Liu said. This trouble will affect U.S. retailers and consumers alike.

Data shows that in 2023 the U.S. imported nearly 313.6 million kilograms of dog and cat food. China ranked as the third-largest supplier with about 21.4 million kilograms worth $140 million. Inflation and tariffs now add extra cost to pet ownership.

Impact of Inflation on Consumers

A report from Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood for 2025 says 28% of pet owners find it harder to afford pet needs. Additionally, 52% worry that tariffs will push pet prices even higher.

American retailers now stockpile inventory to face uncertainty. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet supply company, said that U.S. clients place orders that cover three to six months. Their worry over tariffs is clear.

Zhang, an exporter of premium smart pet products, said his company was forced to reduce coupons and discounts on U.S. e-commerce sites. He called it a “price hike in disguise.” Tariffs now force the industry to raise costs gradually.

Supply Chain Limitations

U.S. distributors hold enough Chinese-made pet products for a few months. Liu warns that if tariffs persist, market pressure will grow fast. The U.S. pet supply chain remains weak. Local production costs stay high. American retailers rely on Chinese imports because they offer quality, low cost, and strong manufacturing capacity.

Resilience of Chinese Firms

Despite the challenges of tariffs, Chinese pet firms hold up well. Many companies now diversify into other markets. Liu said that leading companies quickly expand globally after multiple tariff rounds.

High-quality Chinese pet products now gain ground in European markets. Suppliers meet strict EU rules. One manager said Europe has more than 100 million cats but few smart pet products. This gap creates a large chance for growth.

Some Chinese companies build satellite factories in Cambodia and Vietnam. This strategy boosts production as markets shift. In early 2025, firms reported notable growth in exports to South America and the Middle East.

Targeting Domestic Growth

Chinese companies now focus on domestic growth too. They use e-commerce platforms like JD.com. JD.com offers targeted subsidies up to 200 billion yuan ($27.4 billion) for goods hit by U.S. tariffs. This help raises domestic sales for pet brands. It gives companies a buffer against international trade pressure.

The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper shows the domestic pet market will grow fast. China had more than 120 million pets by 2024. The urban market for dogs and cats is over 300 billion yuan. As the market evolves, consumers now want more innovative and multifunctional pet products.

In conclusion, as U.S. pet owners brace for rising costs from tariffs, the global pet market changes rapidly. Businesses stay resilient, adapting quickly to economic pressure.

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Friday, May 2, 2025

The Rising Price of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Straining Finances and Filling Shelters

The Rising Price of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Straining Finances and Filling Shelters

Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Linked to Tariffs, Shelters Face Increased Surrender Rates

By Lauren Avenatti | May 1, 2025

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Pet ownership costs rise fast. Families pay more. Shelters bear the load. Forbes shows a 10‑year‑old dog costs near $34,550. A 16‑year‑old cat costs about $32,170. These sums shock many.

Devon Strief works at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She sees these numbers. “The number was really mind‑blowing to me,” she said. Strief adds that pet care costs often stay hidden.

Economic Pressures and Tariffs

Tariffs add weight to these costs. Tariffs started under Trump. They push pet costs higher. Families worry more. Shelters, like the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, now expect more animal surrenders.

Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, sees a trend. “They get a pet and take it home. Then they see that costs soar. Soon, many pets end up in shelters,” she said. This pattern shows how hard long‑term care is.

Impact on Shelters and Animal Care

Shelters face deeper problems. Tariffs, job losses, and housing stress make pet care tough. Families must pay for vet care and food. Extra costs pile on. Strief says these pressures hurt the whole community.

Shelters overflow. “There are rescues with too many animals,” Strief stated. They lack enough cages and proper space. This harms pets and burdens workers.

Advice for Potential Pet Owners

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center asks new pet owners to research well. People must learn all costs before adopting. This careful check helps families and pets.

Communities now work under tight budgets. Responsible pet adoption matters more than ever. Strief and her team care deeply. They ask future pet owners to plan for long‑term needs.


For more updates on community issues and animal welfare, stay connected with our ongoing news coverage.

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Navigating Trade Turmoil: The Effect of U.S. Tariffs on Pet Food Manufacturing Costs

Navigating Trade Turmoil: The Effect of U.S. Tariffs on Pet Food Manufacturing Costs

Trade Tariffs Create Uncertainty for Pet Food Manufacturing Sector

April 10, 2025
By Lisa Cleaver

The U.S. government set new tariffs. These tariffs now worry pet food makers. The White House announced them, and manufacturers fear higher costs. Imported ingredients and packaging now cost more. This cost rise may push consumer prices up.

Impacts of Newly Imposed Tariffs

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump set these tariffs. He imposed a 10% tariff on goods from Canada, Mexico, and the EU. For Chinese goods, the tariff jumped to 145%. Tariffs hit aluminum and steel. These materials pack pet food. Manufacturers feel this risk. They see higher costs that may shrink profits. Small pet food brands fear they must raise prices.

Industry Response

Mike Bober, president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, spoke on April 10. He stressed that tariffs now disturb ingredient supply.
"At midnight on April 9, extra tariffs came into effect, with a 50% increase for China," Bober said. He meant the tariffs matched the White House plan. He spoke after a House Ways and Means Committee hearing. The hearing looked at agriculture and goods that cannot grow at home.

Late on April 9, the White House shifted plans. They paused most new tariffs to allow open talks. The extra tariffs now wait. Yet tariffs on Chinese goods remain unclear.
"The 10% tariffs stay, while others pause," Bober explained. "We still worry about Canada and Mexico since tariff plans there are unclear."

Looking Ahead

Pet food makers must track trade changes closely. Groups like the American Pet Products Association, the Pet Industry Distributors Association, and the World Pet Association plan next steps. They meet to adjust for changes in supply chains and rising costs. Trade negotiations may bring more changes. Companies may need new plans to keep serving consumers.

The pet food industry works hard to stay strong. They watch policy shifts and act quickly. They plan to adjust rules and meet customer needs as trade talks continue.

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Pet Owners Fear Rising Tariffs Will Make Pet Care Unaffordable: Insights From Rover's 2025 Report

Pet Owners Fear Rising Tariffs Will Make Pet Care Unaffordable: Insights From Rover

Concerns Over Tariffs and Rising Costs of Pet Care in the U.S.

Seattle – March 20, 2025 – A new Rover report shows pet owners in the United States face rising pet care costs. Rising inflation and possible tariffs add strain. Rover’s “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025” finds that 52% of pet owners fear that tariffs will push pet care prices even higher.

Pet products cost more each day. Twenty-eight percent of pet parents worry about affording essential items. Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, who serves on Rover’s pet people panel and runs Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, speaks clearly. She says, "I work with pet parents every day. I see two things: rising costs raise concerns, and pet parents remain devoted to their furry friends."

Financial Implications of Pet Ownership

A survey of 1,000 pet parents provides clear data. The report lists that a ten-year-old dog may cost about $34,550 over its lifetime. In comparison, a sixteen-year-old cat may cost around $32,170. Longer pet lives may mean even more spending.

The report shows inflation impacts many products. Treat and chew costs are up 85%. Veterinary fees rise by 11%. Pet cleaning supplies climb by 183%, and grooming products increase by 20%. Almost half the owners (48%) worry about the cost of lifetime pet care. Each cost ties closely to a pet owner’s daily budget.

Adjusting Budgets

Amid rising costs, pet owners shift their budgets. Rover’s study finds that 69% of pet owners spend most of their pet money on food and treats. To cut costs, 25% of pet parents choose affordable pet food. Others find cheaper care solutions. Yet, 68% stay loyal to high-quality products similar to what they use themselves, and 20% even search for better quality.

Interestingly, 34% say pet spending is a last cut in hard times. Instead, 33% take back funds from groceries and fun to care for their pets. Simple choices bring each budget close to daily needs.

Insights from Canadian Pet Owners

The report shows that Canadian pet owners face even steeper costs. A cat’s lifetime cost can reach $73,585, and a dog’s can hit $53,935. Annual spending in Canada runs from $930 to $2,400 for cats and from $965 to $4,020 for dogs. Food and treats again claim the largest share. Experts predict an 18% cost rise for dogs and 41% for cats this year alone.

Fifty-five percent of Canadian pet owners choose local products, even when prices are higher. Tariff worries push them to support home businesses.

Conclusion

Inflation and possible tariffs make pet ownership costs worry many in the U.S. and Canada. Rising expenses force pet parents to rethink their daily budgets while still caring for their pets. Pet owners need to prepare financially and make clear choices for their companions. For more details, visit Rover’s full report on the True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025. Stay informed by visiting our pet food processing news page for the latest updates.

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Mastering Medication Management: Key Insights for Better Health Outcomes

Mastering Medication Management: Key Insights for Better Health Outcomes

Medication management stays crucial in healthcare. It matters a lot for older adults who face memory challenges. Recent studies show how patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia handle their medications. They reveal simple links between patients and caregivers as they work together with complex routines. Providers need these insights to support better outcomes for this at‐risk group.

The Scope of the Problem

Patients with MCI or dementia face many pills. Many times, they manage five to fifteen prescriptions. Memory loss makes each dose harder to recall. Dr. Rachel O’Conor, a researcher in geriatrics, notes that patients often struggle to take the right dose at the right time. Each missed dose or extra pill adds to the stress.

Caregiver Involvement and Patient Autonomy

Studies show that as memory worsens, caregivers take more steps in handling medications. Family members step in when patients cannot keep track. Yet, patients still want to feel independent. This desire matters to both patients and their families. It creates a tight balance, as caregivers wait patiently until intervention is needed.

Patient-Caregiver Dynamics

Patient and caregiver roles shift over time. Early in MCI, patients act independently. With mild dementia, caregivers help around the edges while patients hold some control. In moderate dementia, caregivers step in fully. Each new shift changes the simple links between care and independence.

Challenges in Medication Management

Simple issues can complicate care:

  1. Cognitive decline makes it hard for patients to remember doses. Each extra pill stretches their memory more.
  2. Confusion about roles can cause stress. Both sides may see responsibility differently.
  3. Waiting for a problem means support comes late. Early talks about change can help, but families often delay until mistakes happen.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Clinicians help by talking over medication plans. They can use these strategies:

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Providers ask simple questions like, “Can you show me your medication routine?” This approach ties together patient actions and caregiver help. Such talks reveal where the simple links break down.

Simplifying Medication Regimens

Reducing the number of pills and doses lifts a heavy load. Families and providers can work close together. They can combine or reduce medications to make each connection easier.

Addressing Behavioral Symptoms

Patients may need extra pills for mood or behavior changes. Providers should weigh these options with families. Clear talks help set benefits against risks while keeping simple links intact.

Fostering Independence

Providers respect both care and independence. They stress that support can extend a patient’s freedom. This method ties careful help with the goal of delayed institutional care.

Conclusion

Medication management for those with memory issues is more than a daily task. It builds on the strong links between patients and caregivers. With clear, simple steps, providers can guide this process. Each close word pair—the patient with each dose, the caregiver with each check—matters. By keeping these links clear, care grows stronger, and life quality improves for all.

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