(Feature Impact) It’s not your imagination — pet care expenses have risen, just like many other goods and services.
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According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, the cost of pet services has jumped 38% over the last five years, with pet owners spending more than $4,200 annually on routine costs for a cat or dog.
Several factors are driving these higher expenses, including rising prices for pet food ingredients such as meat and grains, along with veterinary drug shortages. Combined with increasing labor and transportation costs, everyday pet care can quickly eat into a household budget.
Yet there are straightforward strategies to manage expenses while still providing excellent care for your four-legged companions:
1. Prioritize Preventive Care
Routine checkups, vaccinations, and screenings can detect health problems early, when they are simpler and less costly to address. Most pets should see a veterinarian at least annually, while puppies, kittens, and senior animals may need more frequent visits.
Preventive medications are also key. For instance, treating heartworm disease can run thousands of dollars, whereas monthly prevention costs between $15 and $30.
2. Focus on Daily Wellness
Regular exercise lowers the risk of chronic conditions and supports overall well-being. Most dogs require at least 30 minutes of daily activity, while cats need consistent play to stay active.
Feeding proper portions also helps maintain a healthy weight. While portion sizes vary, a good starting point is the feeding guidelines on your pet food label, with adjustments made in consultation with your veterinarian.
3. Find Support in Your Community
Many local humane societies and rescue groups provide resources that make pet care more affordable, including low-cost vaccinations, spay and neuter services, and discounted supplies.
For seniors, local Meals on Wheels programs can be invaluable. With assistance from PetSmart Charities, numerous local providers offer free pet food and, in some cases, services like veterinary care and grooming. To date, this collaboration has delivered 20 million pet meals, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes with older adults.
4. Plan Ahead for Unexpected Costs
Even with routine care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can occur — and expenses can accumulate. The PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care research found that 52% of pet owners skipped or declined veterinary care in 2025, with the majority citing cost as the primary barrier.
Pet insurance can help mitigate risk. Most policies reimburse a percentage of covered veterinary costs after a deductible is met, easing the burden of unexpected bills. Plans vary, but average monthly premiums are around $60 for dogs and $30 for cats.
It is also important to discuss financial concerns openly with your veterinarian. In many cases, clinics may offer payment plans or direct you to low-cost-veterinary care resources in your area.
To find a local provider and check whether pet support is available near you, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/lovepets.
A Companion Through It All
A devastating cancer diagnosis left Lois hospitalized for eight months. Afterward, she began receiving home-delivered meals through her local Meals on Wheels provider. That connection proved to be a lifeline.
“When I was sick,” Lois said, “the Meals on Wheels volunteers … were the only company I had.”
That changed when a small white kitten with calico markings showed up at her front door. Today, that kitten – now named Grace – is rarely far from Lois’s side.
Though Grace softens Lois’s loneliness, caring for a pet on a fixed income isn’t always easy. For many seniors, it can mean making difficult choices, like stretching groceries or delaying medical care, just to afford pet food and supplies. Through support from her local provider, food is delivered for Grace as part of Lois’s regular meal service, helping keep them both healthy, happy and, most importantly, together.
Michael French
michael.french@featureimpact.com
https://editors.featureimpact.com/
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