Pet ownership costs are significantly increasing in 2025

Owning a dog or cat can be quite costly, and expenses are expected to increase. The pet industry is a significant business, and many pet owners are feeling the financial strain. Sara Amato, a web designer from New Jersey, adopted Finn, an Australian cattle dog mix, when he was a puppy. Caring for Finn is expensive due to his severe allergies and the training he needs. Amato spends around $722 each month on specialized food, insurance, training, and grooming, totaling about $8,664 a year. She also incurred an extra $8,804 in one-time costs, including unexpected medical expenses. A recent report from Rover, an online pet care marketplace, reveals that the costs of pet ownership are rising. Dog owners might see costs increase by up to 7%, while cat owners could face a 10% rise. The average yearly cost for dog ownership in 2025 is estimated to be between $1,390 and $5,295. For cats, it ranges from $760 to $3,495 annually. Lifetime costs for pets can be substantial. Reports indicate the average lifetime cost of a 10-year-old dog is about $34,550, while it's around $32,170 for a 16-year-old cat. Many pet owners are concerned about additional costs stemming from tariffs on imported pet goods, which could raise prices further. Survey results show that pet owners are already making sacrifices in their budgets, with many cutting back on groceries or entertainment. Despite rising expenses, the cost to adopt a pet has decreased compared to last year. Adopting a dog costs between $1,150 and $4,420, while a cat costs between $750 and $2,715. The pet industry is growing rapidly. In 2024, consumers spent $150.6 billion on pets, much higher than in previous years. The outlook for future growth is optimistic, possibly reaching $207 billion by 2030. Pet ownership has transformed over the years, with pets regarded as family members rather than just animals. Owners like Amato view their pets as children and are willing to invest in their well-being. She acknowledges that caring for Finn comes with high costs but states she never regrets the decision to adopt him, underscoring the joy and companionship pets bring.