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Even five years after COVID quarantines, plenty of us still browse online pet adoption sites regularly. And who doesn’t fall in love? (Seriously, we dare you to resist.) But getting a pet is a real lifestyle commitment, both in terms of time and money. On average, a dog costs $34,550 over their lifetime, and a cat, $32,170, according to a new 2025 cost study by the pet sitting app Rover. And along with everything else that’s gotten pricier, the study shows pet owners can expect to spend more on many aspects of pet care this year:• Veterinary fees: +11%
• Treats and chews: +85%
• Grooming supplies: +20%
• Pet cleaning supplies: +183%
• Cat scratching posts and trees: +68%
In fact, 31% of pet owners surveyed by Rover said the cost of pet items seems to be rising faster than other household or personal expenses. And just over half said they’re worried that tariffs will make their furry friends even more expensive. The good news? Bringing a new pet home doesn’t have to cost more, even if the ongoing expenses do. The cost of adopting from a shelter is down 16% for cats and 19% for dogs, probably because of waning adoption rates, according to Rover. So what? If you’re a pet owner or might become one, there’s a lot at stake as costs rise. After all, pets are part of your family and that’s usually non-negotiable. Here are some ways to adapt:• Revisit the rest of your budget: A third of pet owners surveyed said they have cut costs in other areas of their life. So it’s worth taking a fresh look at your overall monthly spending, especially as inflation ebbs and flows.
• Sign up for subscription discounts: The biggest chunk of your ongoing pet budget may be food and treats. Consider buying those types of items from an online retailer that offers a discount for recurring orders.
• Consider pet insurance: Pet insurance can help lower the cost of unplanned vet visits or other emergencies, but make sure you know how it works — and what it will and won’t cover — before you invest.
• Adopt instead of shop: Shelter adoptions may be cheaper, but buying from a breeder most definitely is not. Depending on the breed and sex of the dog, a bred puppy can cost anywhere from $775 to $4,750 this year, representing an average increase of over 1,000% from 2024, according to Rover.
• Access local resources: Many communities offer extra help for pet owners in need, like pet food banks, temporary foster services, and low-cost veterinary clinics.
Related Reading
• Inflation-Induced Cutbacks? Not for Fido (The Currency by Empower)
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It? (SoFi)
• How to Budget for a Happy, Healthy Pet (Chewy)
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