The Price of Pet Love in 2025: How Inflation, Tariffs, and Loyalty Are Shaping Pet Parenthood

In 2025, pet parents are facing a financial reality that’s hard to ignore—but their love and loyalty toward their pets haven’t wavered. According to the latest True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report released by Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for pet care, the cost of caring for dogs and cats is rising significantly this year. Still, many pet owners are making clear choices to prioritize their pets—no matter the cost.

Sticker Shock: Pet Costs Are Climbing

Rover’s sixth annual report shows that dog parents can expect pet care costs to rise by as much as 7%, while cat parents might see increases of up to 10%. The average lifetime cost of caring for a 10-year-old dog has reached $34,550, while a 16-year-old cat may cost around $32,170. These estimates factor in everything from food to grooming, routine vet care to emergency visits—and they don’t even include the emotional investments we make in our pets.

Tariffs and inflation are compounding the price hike. Veterinary costs are expected to rise by 11%, grooming supplies by 20%, pet treats by 85%, and cleaning supplies by a whopping 183%. Half of pet parents say they’re worried tariffs will further increase costs, and 28% admit they’re already concerned about affording basic pet needs.

Pet Parents Are Adjusting—But Not Letting Go

In the face of these rising expenses, pet owners are making adjustments—but what’s most remarkable is what they’re not cutting: their pets’ care. One in three pet parents say they’ve reduced spending on groceries, entertainment, or other discretionary expenses to make room for their pets' needs. A quarter have made specific lifestyle changes, like switching to more affordable pet food or services. Yet, 34% say pet spending would be one of the last things they’d cut from their budget.

This resilience isn’t just anecdotal—it’s being observed across the pet care industry. Companies like Chewy, Petco, and Rover continue to grow, riding the long tailwind of pet parenthood trends that began well before the pandemic and have only deepened since.

A Shift in Services: Flexibility Over Frills

Spending behaviour may be evolving, but the commitment to pets remains rock solid. Pet parents are finding ways to meet their pets’ needs without breaking the bank. Instead of boarding pets for multiple nights, for example, some owners are opting for drop-in services—particularly for cats, where care needs may be simpler. The key shift is not in whether people are paying for pet care, but how they’re doing it.

The Gig Economy of Pet Love