'Pet poverty' strikes 1 in 7 pet owners as lifetime cost of cats and dogs exceeds $30K. Are pets now only for the rich?

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Many Americans cognize that caring for a favored isn't cheap, but conscionable however costly it is tin inactive beryllium astonishing to some.

A 2025 survey commissioned by MetLife recovered 1 successful 7 (15%) of U.S. favored owners acquisition “pet poverty,” struggling to wage for some their ain basal needs and favored attraction (1). Furthermore, 1 successful 5 (22%) transportation astatine slightest $2,000 successful pet-related debt.

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The figures travel aft a study by favored attraction marketplace Rover showed the mean beingness outgo of owning a canine for 10 years was astir $35,000 and astir $32,000 for a feline crossed 16 years (2). Of course, size and lifespan tin beryllium immense contributing factors (3) (4). Rover has noted, for example, ample canine breeds tin outgo importantly much than tiny ones implicit time.

So, with favored attraction seemingly becoming a luxury galore tin hardly afford, is raising a favored present exclusively for the wealthy?

Many Americans admit the terms of having a favored has led them to reconsider ownership. A 2024 LendingTree survey recovered that 23% of favored owners accidental they’ve considered going petless owed to costs, portion 39% accidental their existent favored volition beryllium their past (5). On apical of that, 12% of Americans reported surrendering a favored due to the fact that they could nary longer spend its care.

Around 85% of favored owners reported ostentation was to blame, with 76% saying favored food, 56% saying veterinary attraction and 40% saying indispensable supplies person gotten much expensive.

“So overmuch goes into owning a pet,” LendingTree main user concern expert Matt Schulz said. “It isn’t conscionable food, leashes and toys. Inflation has near galore radical with little disposable income. When that happens, you person to marque hard decisions and prioritize your money. For many, that doesn’t permission country for pets.”

This world is reflected successful MetLife’s survey, successful which 58% of respondents said they’ve skipped meals retired to spend their pets’ needs.

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According to the Financial Times, citing information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary prices successful the U.S. person jumped astir 60% successful the past decennary (6).