Study shows rising pet food, veterinary costs top challenges to pet ownership

The rising costs of pet care in the United States are creating significant challenges for pet owners, threatening the stability of pet ownership across all age groups and income levels.

According to Packaged Facts’ January 2025 Survey of Pet Owners, price increases in essential categories like pet food and veterinary services are top concerns. The survey found that 42% of pet owners cited the high cost of pet food as a major challenge, while 39% pointed to rising veterinary care expenses.

Other financial stress points included the cost of pet medications (25%), non-food pet supplies (22%), and non-medical pet services (18%).

Financial strain felt across generations and income levels

While the high cost of pet food was a leading concern across all demographics, it affected some groups more than others. Younger and older pet owners — including Gen Z, Millennials, and Boomers — reported the highest levels of concern, with 42–43% identifying pet food costs as a significant challenge. In contrast, slightly fewer Gen X pet owners (38%) shared the same level of concern.

Income also played a role. Among pet owners with household incomes below $60,000, 45–46% reported significant struggles with pet food costs. Middle-income households ($60,000–$99,999) saw 42% expressing similar difficulties. Even in higher-income households ($100,000+), 37% still found the cost of pet food to be a challenge.

Spending continues to rise despite inflation pressures

The survey also revealed that pet owners are spending more than ever. Half of respondents with at least two years of pet ownership reported increased pet food spending over the past year, outpacing those who said their spending had stayed the same (43%) or decreased (7%).

This trend is even more pronounced when compared to 2021. At that time, only 35% of pet owners reported increased spending on pet food, versus 50% in 2025. In veterinary services, 29% reported increased spending in 2021, compared to 48% this year.

Across all pet care categories — including non-food supplies and non-medical services — spending increases were substantially higher in 2025 than four years ago.

Inflation pressures and future outlook

While inflation rates have cooled from their pandemic-era highs, recent trends suggest rising costs could continue. Analysts have pointed to factors such as tariffs and a tight labor market as potential drivers of "slower growth and firmer inflation" later in 2025.

These financial pressures are influencing pet ownership decisions, especially for dog owners. Dogs remain the most popular but also the most costly pets to own, and continued price hikes may deter new pet adoptions and impact long-term pet care stability.

The current spending patterns show a clear shift away from the "bell curve" distribution seen in 2021, where most pet owners reported stable spending levels. Returning to that balance is unlikely in the short term unless inflation stabilizes and costs become more manageable for households across the board.