The cost to own a dog or cat can be extensive—and it’s about to get more expensive. A recent report by Rover, an online marketplace for pet care, highlights the increasing financial burden of pet ownership in 2025. While pet ownership has shifted from simply having a pet to treating them like family members, the financial realities of caring for these beloved animals are steep.
Sara Amato, a 37-year-old web designer from Union City, New Jersey, adopted Finn, a now 3-year-old Australian cattle dog mix, in 2022 when he was just 8 weeks old. Initially, Amato had no idea the extent of the costs involved.
Amato estimates that caring for Finn costs her about $722 a month, totaling approximately $8,664 a year. Beyond the ongoing expenses, she has incurred an additional $8,804 in one-time costs for training and medical treatments. Finn suffers from severe allergies, requiring specialized food and immunotherapy—expenses that have racked up significantly since she brought him home.
Rover's "True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report" predicts that dog parents should expect to see costs increase by about 7% this year, while cat parents might face an even steeper increase of 10%. The report reveals that the average annual cost of a dog in 2025 is expected to range from $1,390 to $5,295, and the average lifetime care cost for a 10-year-old dog nears $34,550. For cats, the figures tell a similar story, as the annual cost ranges from $760 to $3,495, with lifetime care for a 16-year-old cat averaging $32,170.
Interestingly, the initial cost of adopting a pet has actually decreased. In 2025, adopting a dog can cost between $1,150 to $4,420, a 19% decrease from 2024. Meanwhile, kittens are priced at $830 to $3,095, which reflects a 10% increase from last year. This reduction in adoption costs may be a response to the declining rates of pet adoptions.
More than half of the pet owners surveyed (52%) expressed concerns that tariffs on imported pet products would lead to increased pet care prices. As inflation continues to affect many sectors, pet care expenses are expected to continue rising, including a projected 11% increase in veterinary fees, a staggering 183% increase in cleaning supplies, a 20% raise for grooming, and an 85% increase in treats and chews.
Pet owners are clearly feeling the strain. A notable 48% are anxious about the implications of rising pet care costs, with many stating they have had to cut back on personal and household expenses to accommodate their pet's needs. In fact, one in three pet parents reported reducing spending in other areas of their lives to afford essentials for their animals. Yet, 34% of the owners indicated that spending on their pet would be one of the last categories they would consider cutting.
Sara Amato knows this struggle all too well. Despite spending significantly more on Finn's care than the average dog owner, she expresses no regrets. "He is my companion, and I will spend whatever I have to to make sure that he's a happy, healthy, fulfilled dog," Amato stated. Her monthly breakdown reveals that she spends about $292 on specialized dog food, $55 on pet insurance, $280 for training, and $95 for grooming. Unexpected veterinary visits have also put a financial strain on her budget, considering she spent $3,760 on a surgery last year.
While the cost of bringing a new pet home might be decreasing, the long-term financial commitment continues to grow, reflecting changes in the industry and consumer attitudes. The American Pet Products Association reports that consumers spent $150.6 billion on pets in 2024, a figure that underscores the booming pet industry. By comparison, that figure was just $91 billion in 2018. The projected outlook suggests potential growth to $207 billion by 2030.
Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover, noted the transformation in pet ownership. "We've seen a massive change in the role of pets, both dogs and cats. They used to be considered simply a pet, but now they are becoming actual family members," Ellis explained. This shift in perspective naturally leads to increased spending and care for pets, further contributing to the rising costs of pet parenthood.
As pet owners navigate these financial challenges, many are looking for ways to plan ahead. One survey revealed that 21% of pet parents include their animals in their wills or legal arrangements to ensure pet care after they pass, and another 40% are considering doing so. Amato passionately recalls her heartfelt commitment to Finn, noting, “There are definitely things I’ve done that have completely spoiled this dog.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of pet ownership, the bond between pets and their owners grows stronger each day. As costs rise, many pet parents are determined to ensure their furry companions continue to receive the best care possible, no matter the financial challenges ahead.
