Your Dog or Cat Might Be Your Most Expensive Roommate Yet

Rover’s 2025 Report Reveals the True Cost of Pet Parenthood and Why Budgets Are Feeling the Squeeze

If you feel like your dog’s treat budget rivals your grocery bill or your cat’s vet visits cost more than your last vacation, you are not imagining it. Rover has released its 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report, and the numbers confirm what many pet parents already feel in their wallets. The cost of loving a furry family member is rising, and fast. According to the report, dog parents can expect overall costs to increase by as much as 7 percent in 2025, while cat parents could see increases closer to 10 percent. Over a lifetime, the average cost of care now lands around $34,550 for a 10 year old dog and $32,170 for a 16 year old cat. Breed, size, health needs, and lifespan all play a role, but one thing is clear. Pets are a long term financial commitment, not just an emotional one.

Inflation continues to ripple through nearly every part of daily life, and pet care is no exception. Rover reports that in 2025, pet parents may spend about 11 percent more on veterinary care alone. Other increases are even more eye opening. Pet cleaning supplies are up an estimated 183 percent, grooming supplies are up 20 percent, and treats and chews are up 85 percent. On top of inflation, tariffs are adding another layer of concern. More than half of pet parents say they worry tariffs will further drive up the cost of pet ownership. Nearly one in three feel pet items are increasing in price faster than other household essentials.

It is no surprise then that 28 percent of pet parents say they are currently worried about being able to afford everything their pet needs. Still, commitment to pets remains strong, even as budgets tighten.

The Surprisingly Lower Cost of Getting a Pet

Here is the plot twist. While the cost of caring for a pet has gone up, the cost of bringing one home has actually gone down compared to last year. In 2025, welcoming a new dog can cost anywhere from $1,150 to $4,420. For cats, that range falls between $750 and $2,715. Adoption continues to be the most budget friendly option, especially since initial vaccines and spay or neuter procedures are typically included. This year, adoption costs dropped 19 percent for dogs and 16 percent for cats, likely due to slowing adoption rates nationwide.

Even so, upfront costs can still catch new pet parents off guard. While 53 percent of dog parents say their initial costs matched their expectations, more than a quarter ended up spending more than planned.

Despite rising costs, people are still bringing pets into their lives. One in five pet parents added a dog or cat in 2024, and another 33 percent are considering doing so in the next year. Many are also thinking further ahead. Rover found that 21 percent of pet parents have already included their pet in a will or other legal plan, and another 40 percent are planning to do so. Nearly half wish there were tax benefits for pet parents, like deductions or credits, to help offset the rising costs of care. Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian and Rover Pet People Panelist, notes that while lifetime costs can feel overwhelming, planning ahead makes a difference. Creating a pet specific budget, building a dedicated savings fund, and focusing on preventive care like routine checkups and vaccines can help make pet parenthood more manageable over time.

Pets may be getting more expensive, but for most parents, the companionship is worth every penny. The key takeaway from Rover’s 2025 report is not to scare people away from pet ownership, but to encourage realistic planning. Your dog or cat might be your favorite family member, workout buddy, or emotional support nap partner. Treating their care like the long term investment it is can help keep both your heart and your bank account in good shape.