
Rising Costs of Pet Ownership: What Owners Need to Know
Pet ownership grows. Its cost climbs, too. Dog and cat owners in the United States face rising expenses. Reports warn that prices will go up even more next year.
Increasing Veterinary and Care Costs
The "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report" from Rover shows that pet care costs increase each year. Dog owners see costs jump by about 7% in 2025. Cat owners may pay 10% extra. These numbers prove that daily care adds up fast.
Sara Amato, a 37-year-old web designer from Union City, New Jersey, shows this trend. She adopted her Australian cattle dog mix, Finn, when he was 8 weeks old. She soon learned that pet care is expensive. Sara now pays about $722 each month for food, insurance, training, and grooming. This cost sums to roughly $8,664 per year. She also paid over $8,800 once for training and medical bills from Finn’s allergies.
Rover’s report says that annual costs for dogs range from $1,390 to $5,295. Costs for cats range from $830 to $3,095. Both show a 10% rise from last year. Over the pet’s lifetime, these totals become very high. A 10-year-old dog may cost around $34,550. A 16-year-old cat nears $32,170. ## Pet Owners Concerned About Future Costs
Many pet owners feel worried. Rover surveyed 1,000 pet owners, and 52% fear that tariffs on imported pet products will push prices up. Veterinary services may cost 11% more. Pet supplies might jump by as much as 183% in the coming years.
Almost 69% of owners say pet food and treats take a big bite out of their monthly budget. To cover these higher costs, some owners now cut back on groceries or entertainment.
Changes in Pet Adoption Costs
While caring for a pet becomes more costly, adoption fees drop. Rover’s report finds that adopting a dog in 2025 costs between $1,150 and $4,420, which is 19% lower than last year. Adopting a cat can cost between $750 and $2,715, a 16% decrease. Often, shelters include vaccinations and spay or neutering, keeping the fees low.
The Growing Pet Industry
The pet industry grows fast. Owners treat their pets like family. In 2024, U.S. consumers spent about $150.6 billion on pet care. This rise comes from $91 billion in 2018. Experts expect the market to hit $207 billion by 2030. Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer with Rover, explains how pet care is changing. As pets become greater family members, owners invest more in their health and well-being.
Planning for the Future
Planning is key. Many pet owners do not plan for their pet’s future if they die. Rover’s survey shows only 21% of pet parents make legal arrangements for their pets, though 40% plan to soon. Many also hope for tax benefits to ease the extra cost.
Sara Amato explains, "Finn is my companion, and I spend what I must to keep him happy and healthy." While she feels the pinch from vet bills and training, she is thankful for her ability to care for him.
As pet ownership grows, current and future owners must check their budgets. They need to plan ahead for rising costs. For help with these issues, talk with pet care experts and financial advisors.
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