Pets are a commitment, and not necessarily a cheap one.
From food and toys to vet bills and maybe petsitters, kennels, or catteries – not to mention the best dog bed for a good night’s sleep! – the costs can add up.
According to a study from dog harness supplier PetSafe, a whopping 75% of dog parents have reported increased expenses.
A huge 84% of dog parents have found that veterinary care has become more expensive, while three-quarters are spending more on food and the best dog treats. Meanwhile, four in ten found grooming and accessories had become more expensive. As for insurance, 15% of insured dog parents said their coverage had become more costly.
588 dog owners across the US took part in the survey about various aspects of being a pet parent, including the financial side of things. 74.8% of those surveyed said that their pet care costs have increased, with 44% experiencing significant increases and just over three in ten (30.8%) finding that costs have increased slightly.
Just 23.7% said that costs had remained about the same, with only 1.5% saying that having a dog has become less expensive.
PetSafe suggests a couple of reasons for the increased costs. With veterinary care, for example, advancements in veterinary medicine mean that more advanced care is available – but, in turn, more expensive. And, how much does an emergency vet cost? Find out here.
As for food and treats becoming more expensive, this might simply be down to ingredients in pet food becoming more expensive, but shifts to premium diets and a heavier focus on pet nutrition could also be factors. Likewise, grooming and accessories becoming more expensive might be because there are more upmarket, luxurious services and products on offer than there used to be.
A spokesperson for PawSave commented on the survey’s findings, saying, “The significant increase in pet care costs across multiple categories highlights the growing financial commitment of dog ownership. While the rising expenses in veterinary care reflect advancements in animal health, they also underscore the importance of being financially prepared for pet emergencies.
“With food and treat costs also on the rise, we're seeing a shift in consumer behavior towards higher quality nutrition for pets. This trend suggests that despite increasing costs, many owners prioritize their dogs' health and well-being.”
If you’re finding that being a dog parent is becoming more expensive, why not take a look at these 32 simple ways to save money as a dog owner? Meanwhile, here are the 32 most expensive dog breeds.
