Sunday, May 4, 2025

How Proposed Tariffs Could Spike Pet Care Costs: What Pet Owners Need to Know

How Proposed Tariffs Could Spike Pet Care Costs: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Proposed Tariffs Raise Concerns About Increasing Pet Care Costs

INDIANAPOLIS — Owning a pet comes with duties and bills. Pet owners face tasks such as feeding, grooming, and regular care. Proposed tariffs now add a worry of rising costs. Experts and pet owners link tariffs closely with higher pet product prices.

Ellie Cornett is a college student and she owns a King Charles Cavalier named Winston. She tells us feeding her puppy has a heavy cost. “You have to buy special pet food for a puppy. It costs about $50 per bag and one bag lasts a month,” she says. For many students, each cent counts.

Steven Howes cares for a Pembroke Welsh corgi too. He grumbles about lush vet bills. “He is AKC registered, so pet care is always high in cost. Even basic vaccinations have nearly doubled for me,” Howes explains.

Recent findings in USA Today note that pet owners may soon pay more. Rover’s "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report" finds dog owners might see costs rise by 7%. Cat owners could face a 10% increase this year.

Professor Andreas Hauskrecht from Indiana University Kelley School of Business warns that pet care is already steep in price. He points out that pet food is not cheap. Tariffs on steel and aluminum will push the cost of soft food in cans upward. He adds that many ingredients for pet food come from long supply chains in Mexico and Canada. A break in these chains can hurt prices even more.

Some pet lovers do not back down from the rising costs. Howes shows his resolve as he cares for his dog, Ollie. “If you know true dog lovers, this will not stop us. It is like raising children; he is my third kid,” he declares.

The tariff effects stretch beyond just individual pet owners. Professor Hauskrecht says every Indiana resident should watch these changes closely. "We, as Hoosiers, need to care because Indiana is tied into these complex supply chains," he states.

Looking ahead, Rover forecasts that the average yearly cost of owning a dog may go between $1,400 and $5,200 by 2025, while cat owners might spend between $750 and $3,500. As talks about these tariff changes go on, pet owners prepare for a new financial road. They face a near future where pet care costs may climb even higher.

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Exploring the Bold and Thought-Provoking Love Ballads of Lucy Dacus: A Journey Alongside Julien Baker

Exploring the Bold and Thought-Provoking Love Ballads of Lucy Dacus: A Journey Alongside Julien Baker

In modern indie music, love meets deep self-reflection. Artists search inside for truth. Lucy Dacus sings about these themes. She is one part of Boygenius. Her partners, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, share her art. Her project "Forever Is a Feeling" shines with true words. It shows how she feels about Baker and life. Her words mix care with strength.

The Power of Collaboration
Boygenius began in 2018. It is more than a group of musicians. It has changed ideas about female artists. Their first album, "The Record" (2023), won many Grammy nods. Fans see the trio as honest and real. Dacus, Baker, and Bridgers talk about who they are and what love means. Their work stays true and clear.

Dacus draws on her own life and close ties. In a recent talk, she said Baker changes how she writes songs. In "Forever Is a Feeling," she shows both love's high and its lows. Her words call to mind the search for real connection. The album asks us to face change and the ups and downs of love.

Love and Vulnerability
The title song shows love in two ways. It pairs the joy of romance with the truth that nothing lasts forever. Dacus sings, "This is bliss / This is Hell / Forever is a feeling / and I know it well." Her lines tell a story that feels both safe and raw. Her voice comforts and touches. Synths and drum machines blend to give a tender, eerie mood.

Her art comes from true life. It shows that art makes us feel close to one another. The themes in "Forever Is a Feeling" turn on the age-old quest for love. Today, when many bonds seem weak, her songs feel honest and deep.

Navigating Public Scrutiny
A public life adds weight to Dacus’s art. She walks a fine line between sharing personal truth and keeping privacy. Fans and media focus on her ties with Baker. On social platforms, people mix personal life with art. Dacus writes from this tension. She stands by her truth while guarding what matters.

She shows that friendship can form the base of love. Her lyrics in songs like "For Keeps" hint at love that feels hard to hold on to. The music feels simple but speaks deep truths. This honesty forms the core of her art.

A Testament to the Journey
As Dacus readies "Forever Is a Feeling," she offers a piece of herself. Each song opens a window into her heart. Her words ask us to think about our love and our lives. She praises the bold side of love while admitting its fears.

In the end, Lucy Dacus sings of love with care and depth. Her work, along with Julien Baker’s art, gives a fresh look at love, who we are, and creativity. Her songs remind us that even if love is hard, its fragile nature makes it precious.

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Unleashing the Financial Realities: Rover's 2025 Cost of Pet Parenthood Report Reveals Rising Expenses for Dog and Cat Owners

Unleashing the Financial Realities: Rover

Rover Releases True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report for 2025

March 18, 2025 – SEATTLE, WA – Rover is the largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Today, Rover releases its sixth annual "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report." The report shows the costs of owning a pet in 2025. It explains the spending needed as the economy changes.

Rising Costs for Pet Owners

Rover’s report shows pet parents must plan for higher costs. Dog owners face expense hikes of 7%. Cat owners face rises up to 10%. For example, a 10-year-old dog costs around $34,550. A 16-year-old cat costs about $32,170. These totals depend on breed, size, health, and lifespan.

Inflation pushes prices higher. Tariffs now add to the cost of pet goods and services. Veterinary fees may rise by 11%. Grooming supplies may cost 20% more. Pet cleaning products show an increase of 183%. Treats and chews cost 85% more in 2025. Half of pet owners worry that tariffs will add more money strain. They fear costs will make pet care harder to afford.

Changes in Adoption Costs

Even while other costs rise, adoption fees drop. For a new dog, fees now lie between $1,150 and $4,420. For a new cat, fees range from $750 to $2,715. Fees fell by 19% for dogs and 16% for cats. Lower costs may help people add a pet to their family.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a Rover Pet People Panelist and owner of Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, points out a dual truth. She says, “Costs for a pet can be high. A healthy dog or cat may live for ten years or more. Their companionship is priceless.” She urges pet owners to plan budgets and save money for pet care costs.

Insights from Pet Parents

The report relied on a survey of 1,000 U.S. pet parents. It shows many ideas and worries:

  • Pet Acquisition: 20% of owners adopted a new pet in 2024. An extra 33% consider adopting next year.
  • Budgeting Concerns: A total of 69% say pet food and treats take the largest share of their budget. Many now cut spending on other needs to buy pet supplies.
  • Addressing Financial Challenges: About 31% save money for unforeseen vet bills. Other owners use subscriptions or strict budgets to manage costs.

City Cost Comparisons

The report lists costs that change by region. The ten most affordable cities are:

  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

The report also finds the ten 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

Conclusion

Rising pet ownership costs mean that planning is more important than ever. Rover’s report is a key tool for pet parents. It helps them plan expenses and care for their companions. Stay informed and plan ahead for 2025. For further details and the full report, please visit Rover's website.


About Rover: Founded in 2011 in Seattle, Rover connects pet parents with services like boarding, dog walking, and pet sitting. For more details, visit www.rover.com.


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

A photo for this announcement is available at GlobeNewswire.

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Navigating Financial Storms: Challenges in the Rising Costs of Veterinary Medicine Amid Economic Uncertainty

Navigating Financial Storms: Challenges in the Rising Costs of Veterinary Medicine Amid Economic Uncertainty

Rising Veterinary Costs Present Challenges Amid Economic Growth

Financial Outlook for Veterinary Care

The American Pet Products Association projects $41.4 billion will be spent on veterinary care and related pharmaceutical sales in the United States this year. Spending grew from $35.9 billion in 2022, $38.3 billion in 2023, and $39.8 billion in 2024. Every number links closely to show rising trends.

Underlying Financial Concerns

Veterinary practices face financial hurdles that may threaten their care and stability. Experts see rising hiring costs, tariff impacts, and shifting consumer behavior as sources of these challenges. Leslie Boudreau, BASVT, RVTg, CVPM, SPHR, PHRca, serves as hospital administrator at the AAHA-accredited Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach in California and leads the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association as vice president. She links job cost spikes to practice challenges. Each idea connects directly to the next.

The Hiring Crisis for Veterinarians

"The market for doctors of veterinary medicine is very competitive," said Boudreau. Although the American Veterinary Medical Association notes no overall shortage, many veterinarians are moving to government roles, military service, relief work, or corporate positions. This shift leaves private practices struggling. The cost of hiring rises swiftly. New veterinarians need training and mentoring, which links to inefficiencies lasting six to twelve months. Practices face more challenges when veterinarians "bounce" from one job to another. These moves break the link of stable staff and client trust.

Additional Financial Pressures

Staffing issues are only one link in a heavy chain of costs:

  1. Tariff Uncertainties: Tariff changes make imported medical supplies and equipment more expensive. This fact links directly to extra operational costs.
  2. Insurance Costs: New insurance rules, such as mandatory cybersecurity coverage, add to spending. This factor links closely to regions with limited choices.
  3. Decreased Client Visits: Economic uncertainty has led to fewer visits. This drop links to a need for new financial strategies. Karen E. Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, owner of PantheraT Veterinary Management Consulting, sees pet owners cutting back on costs, which links to a decline in demand.
  4. Recruitment Costs: Rising fees from recruitment firms add more strain and link to increasing hiring expenses.

Navigating the Financial Landscape

Veterinary practices adopt new strategies to manage costs and stay strong. Boudreau notes that her hospital joined a buying group to boost purchasing power and lower supply prices. The hospital now limits some medication options and diverts sales online to reduce costs. The cost of credit card processing fees rose over half a million dollars in 2023, linking directly to Boudreau’s decision to add a convenience fee. This fee links with immediate backlash from some clients.

Financial Guidance for Practices

Felsted offers clear advice. Practices must provide excellent service to maintain revenue, she says. Building an emergency fund and cutting unnecessary spending link directly to success. Felsted advises clear client communication about rising costs while linking to the search for more cost-effective treatments.

Conclusion

Rising costs, staffing challenges, and shifts in consumer behavior link together to create complex problems. Industry leaders stress that veterinary practices must adapt and innovate. Their goal remains to give quality care while handling financial pressure. The American Animal Hospital Association shares insights from professionals to help address these issues.


For more information on veterinary management, hiring practices, and economic trends in the industry, visit the AAHA website.

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Mastering Medication Management: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Use of Prescription Drugs

Mastering Medication Management: Your Guide to Safe and Effective Use of Prescription Drugs

Managing medications is key for health. For people who are blind or have low vision, taking medicine safely is very important. The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) says an organized system helps keep you safe and well. We share clear tips and tools that link words closely to ease understanding.

Understanding Medication Management

Medication management means you keep your medicines in order, store them safely, and take them as told. For those with visual challenges, this task can have extra steps. With clear methods, these steps connect simply and work well.

Importance of a Personalized System

A good system starts with one designed just for you. Each person builds a plan that meets their needs. This plan may include:

  1. Color Coding: Use different colors for different medicines. An orange Spot Line tape for some pills tells you the time or note quickly.

  2. Physical Markers: Add tactile markers like letters or symbols for extra help. Mark a bottle with a raised "M" for morning, so it is clear which pill to take when.

  3. Recording Instructions: Use small devices like the Micro Speak to record a pharmacist’s advice. This tool stores close word links and lets you hear the instructions again when needed.

Organizing Your Medications

Organizing your pills is key to taking them right. Try these ideas:

  1. Medication Organizers: Use trays that divide medicines by day or time. Weekly pill organizers with braille or bold markers make links between words and actions clear.

  2. Baskets or Containers: Use flat-bottom baskets to mark morning and evening pills. This creates a clear tactile and visual link between many medicines.

  3. Rubber Bands: For a few pills, a rubber band around a bottle shows you have taken that medicine. This simple method keeps actions closely linked.

Safety First: Avoiding Medication Errors

Missing a dose or mixing up pills can be dangerous. Follow these tips to keep words and steps connected:

  • Consistency: Make a routine for each medication. Keep morning pills in the kitchen and evening ones in the bathroom to mark clear links.

  • Checklists and Reminders: Use lists or phone alarms to signal when it is time. These signals create short links that remind you to take your pills.

  • Regular Communication with Healthcare Providers: Talk often with your doctor or pharmacist. Clear, close links between questions and answers make your safety stronger.

Conclusion

The task of managing medication is more than just taking pills; it is about doing it in a safe, clear way. People, especially those with vision challenges, should use clear tools and steps to make each link easy to follow. By crafting a personal plan, each step in your health process gets closer and clearer. A well-organized system not only boosts safety but also lifts your quality of life. For more tips and help, contact the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired or speak with your healthcare provider.

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Rising Costs Ahead: How US Tariffs are Set to Impact Pet Owners and Retailers in 2025

Rising Costs Ahead: How US Tariffs are Set to Impact Pet Owners and Retailers in 2025

Rising Tariffs Set to Impact Pet Owners in the U.S.

By Zhang Yiyi
Global Times
Published: April 21, 2025, 09:39 PM

The United States imposed new tariffs in recent months. These tariffs target many consumer products. American pet owners now feel the start of these effects. Industry experts in China report that, by the second half of 2025, pet owners will face more challenges. They must buy essential pet items at higher prices. Tariffs will push costs up for many products.

Current Market Dynamics

The U.S. pet market stays stable for now because distributors stockpiled supplies early. However, experts say that soon tariffs will show their true impact. Liu Xiaoxia from the China Animal Agriculture Association warns that U.S. retailers and consumers will have difficulties with imported pet goods. A report from Petworks.com finds that most pet accessories—such as toys, leashes, and bedding—come from countries like China. As tariffs rise, prices for these products also increase. In 2023, the U.S. imported 313.6 million kilograms of dog and cat food. China is the third-largest supplier. This reliance on foreign goods means that both buyers and businesses face higher costs.

Financial Strain on Pet Owners

Inflation and tariffs push pet costs higher. According to Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025, about 28 percent of pet owners struggle to afford basic items. More than half worry that tariffs will make these problems worse. In response, U.S. retailers stockpile inventory that could last three to six months. Cheng, CEO of a Chinese pet goods company, says his firm saw strong orders early in 2025. U.S. clients acted fast to protect themselves from tariff effects.

Other exporters adjust their pricing. Zhang, who makes smart pet products like bowls and dispensers, says his company has reduced promotions. They hide price hikes within their market plans. Despite these changes, his company keeps steady profit margins. They credit this success to high product quality and strong brand names.

The Supply Chain Challenge

U.S. distributors hold extra pet products to delay price spikes. Experts still warn that ongoing tariffs will hurt the market. Liu notes that the U.S. lacks a strong domestic pet product chain. Retailers depend on foreign suppliers, especially from cost-effective China. This link creates added risk when tariffs grow.

Resilience of the Chinese Pet Industry

The Chinese pet supply industry stays strong despite U.S. challenges. Many firms broaden their markets to beat tariff pressures. They expand into new regions and focus on customers outside the United States. European markets now want high-quality Chinese pet goods. A manager from a Chinese pet brand says that European buyers favor quality suppliers. Their products meet EU rules and show promise for growth. Exports to South America and the Middle East also grow. Some top firms even open shops in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. This shift helps guard against tariff problems.

Domestic Market Opportunities

Along with international plans, many Chinese companies work on their own market. They use online platforms to sell more products at home. Major players like JD.com add large subsidies for items hit by U.S. tariffs. This move lets Chinese firms benefit from strong local demand. The Chinese pet market grows too. By 2024, more than 120 million pets lived in China, and demand continues to rise.

Conclusion

Tariffs bring clear challenges for U.S. pet owners. Higher costs for pet essentials may force many into tougher financial choices. Meanwhile, the Chinese pet industry adapts fast. They explore new markets and boost domestic sales to meet shifting demands. In a changing global market, both sides face a mix of trials and new chances.

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Saturday, May 3, 2025

The Hidden Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Driving Pet Surrenders in Shelters

The Hidden Costs of Pet Ownership: How Tariffs Are Driving Pet Surrenders in Shelters

Rising Pet Ownership Costs Amid Tariffs Prompt Concerns of Increased Surrenders

By Lauren Avenatti
Iowa City, Iowa — The cost of owning a pet rises fast. Families feel the strain on money. Owners face high lifetime costs. Forbes shows one may pay about $34,550 over a pet dog’s life. A cat may cost near $32,170. ## Tariffs Impacting Pet Care Expenses

Tariffs now add to pet care costs. The federal government set these tariffs. Animal groups feel a deep worry. Devon Strief works at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. She said, "I found the number shocking." Tariffs raise prices for many goods. These higher prices cause more cost on pet care. Darlene Olshansky, a volunteer and pet trainer, said, "They take a pet home and then find out – wow, this is a lot. Soon, those pets end up in shelters."

Economic Pressures on Pet Owners

Shelters now see hard effects from rising prices. Tariffs mix with job losses and housing troubles. Families struggle with basic pet needs. They must pay for vet care and food. "Pets need vet care and food. When you add extra costs, the community feels the pain," said Strief. With costs rising, many owners may give up their pets. "It is not fair for the animals. It is also hard on the workers," she said.

Urgent Call for Responsible Pet Ownership

The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center asks new pet owners to think about long-term costs. Shelters fill fast with animals in need. "There are shelters and rescues everywhere, overflowing with animals," said Strief. Local shelters have little space. As pressure grows on both animals and those who care for them, community help is key. The need to share the truth about pet costs is strong. We must talk about how to care for pets in these tough times.

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