Saturday, May 3, 2025

Navigating the New Trade Climate: How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Pet Food Industry

Navigating the New Trade Climate: How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Pet Food Industry

Trade Tariffs Create Uncertainty for Pet Food Manufacturers

Impact of Increased Tariffs on Production Costs and Consumer Prices

The U.S. government set trade tariffs. These tariffs shake the pet food industry. The President, Donald Trump, made a firm call on April 2, 2025. He detailed a change in trade rules. The rules add big tariffs on many goods. On April 9, the government paused most tariffs for 90 days. Meanwhile, China faces a steep 145% tariff.

Pet food makers source key ingredients overseas. They now face a 10% tariff on goods from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. This fee pushes up production costs. Smaller brands may need to raise prices to keep profit.

Concerns from Industry Leaders

Mike Bober leads the Pet Advocacy Network. On April 10, he spoke of coming troubles. He noted a new 50% tariff on Chinese goods. This measure works as payback for China’s own trade steps. Bober stressed that such tariffs hurt farm goods and climate-specific ingredients. He joined a House Ways and Means hearing; the tariffs came up there.

"I was pleased to see members of Congress care about these issues," Bober said. He stressed that the tariff rules are growing complex for the pet food sector.

The White House then shifted its plan. It paused most new tariffs to allow talks with trading partners. This change left uncertainty for Canada and Mexico. Their earlier tariff plans were not clearly removed.

"For now, the 10% tariffs stay in effect," Bober explained. "Other tariffs are on hold. The only exception is China, which now faces a 145% rate."

Preparation for Future Developments

Pet food makers must watch trade updates closely. They need to adapt their work as talks progress. Many in the pet care field monitor these policy moves. Such steps may alter supply paths and production costs.

Industry groups like the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association now work with lawmakers. They push for the pet food sector’s needs during these talks.

The pet food industry stays strong despite hard times. Still, trade rules continue to shift. Makers must stay alert to new gaps and cost hurdles. Updates will follow as negotiations move forward.

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Tariffs on the Horizon: How Proposed Changes Could Inflate Pet Care Costs for Owners

Tariffs on the Horizon: How Proposed Changes Could Inflate Pet Care Costs for Owners

Proposed Tariffs Could Inflate Pet Care Costs for Owners Nationwide

INDIANAPOLIS —
Pet ownership grows in the United States. Pet owners worry about rising pet care costs. They link this worry to new tariffs. Tariffs push up prices of pet products.

Rising Costs for Pet Owners

Ellie Cornett is a student. She owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She buys special pet food. The food costs about $50 a bag. One bag lasts a month. This cost stresses her budget.

Steven Howes owns a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. His dog is AKC registered. Vaccinations now cost almost twice as much. Both owners face high expenses. They work hard to care for their pets.

A recent report, “True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report,” shows costs may rise. Dog owners might pay up to 7% more. Cat owners might see a 10% increase this year.

The Impact of Tariffs on Supplies

Economics Professor Andreas Hauskrecht explains that tariffs raise raw material costs. Tariffs push up the price of steel and aluminum. These metals make pet product cans. Pet food often comes from Mexico and Canada. Tariffs affect all links in the supply chain.

Hauskrecht adds that these issues touch local economies. Indiana is deep in these supply chains. His view connects local worries with national trends.

A Commitment to Pet Care

Even with price hikes, owners care deeply for their pets. Steven Howes calls his pet like family. He says, “I think if you know avid dog lovers or avid cat lovers, nothing will stop us. It's like having children; he’s my third kid.”

Future Financial Considerations

Rover’s report advises thinking ahead. The report predicts that by 2025 owning a dog will cost between $1,400 and $5,200 annually. Cat care can cost from $750 to $3,500 each year.

Pet owners must monitor these costs. They must prepare for extra expenses. Their love for their pets stays strong. This bond links humans to their animal friends.

For updates, sign up for a breaking news newsletter. This way you stay informed about tariffs and more.


This article shows pet owners’ worries about tariffs and rising pet care costs. It offers local voices and links issues to national trends.

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In a Touching Tribute, Anna Nicole Smith’s Daughter Wears Her Iconic Dress at Gala: 'It’s Like Receiving a Hug from Her'

In a Touching Tribute, Anna Nicole Smith’s Daughter Wears Her Iconic Dress at Gala:

At the Kentucky Derby gala, Dannielynn Birkhead wore a black dress. She is the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith. The dress came from her mother and holds deep memories. Anna once wore it when she met Larry Birkhead at a Barnstable party. This choice shows a close, loving bond between mother and daughter.

Dannielynn stepped onto the red carpet and looked much like her mother. In her elegant dress, she brought together a piece of fashion history and a tribute to love. She said wearing the dress felt “like receiving a hug from her.” Her words tighten the link between past and present.

Anna Nicole Smith rose to fame as a model and actress in the 1990s. Her striking looks and vibrant spirit won many hearts. However, she also faced hardship and loss. After her passing in 2007, her legacy has lived on through Dannielynn. This gala marked a touching moment that shows how the young girl honors her mother and forms her own identity.

Wearing the iconic dress was not only a fashion choice; it celebrated life, memory, and strength. It reminds us of the family ties that keep love alive. The image of Dannielynn in her mother’s dress stands for hope and the enduring nature of a maternal bond.

As the evening went on, guests recalled Anna Nicole Smith’s vivid spirit. Dannielynn’s tribute captures a legacy that inspires warmth and care. Each heartfelt act builds a small bridge between generations. In doing so, the memories and love of the past stay close in the present and carry on into the future.


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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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