(Feature Impact) It’s not your imagination — pet care expenses have risen, just like so many other goods and services.
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.
According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, pet services costs have climbed 38% over the last five years, with pet owners spending more than $4,200 annually on routine expenses for a cat or dog.
Multiple factors contribute to these rising costs, from higher prices for pet food ingredients like meat and grains to shortages of veterinary drugs. Add in growing labor and transportation expenses, and those everyday costs can take a larger chunk out of your budget.
Fortunately, there are straightforward strategies to manage expenses while still providing your pet with the care they deserve:
1. Make Preventive Care a Priority
Regular vet visits, vaccines, and health screenings can detect problems early, when treatment is simpler and cheaper. Most pets require an annual checkup, but puppies, kittens, and older animals often need more frequent appointments.
Preventive drugs are also crucial. For instance, treating heartworm disease can run into the thousands of dollars, whereas monthly prevention medication costs between $15 and $30.
2. Emphasize Daily Wellness
Consistent exercise lowers the risk of chronic conditions and supports overall health. Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of activity each day, while cats benefit from regular play to stay active.
Feeding the right portions also helps with weight management. Portion sizes vary, but a good starting point is the feeding guidelines on your pet food label, then adjust as needed with input from your veterinarian.
3. Tap Into Community Resources
Many local humane societies and rescue groups offer services that make pet care more affordable, including low-cost vaccinations, spay and neuter programs, and discounted supplies.
For seniors, local Meals on Wheels providers can be valuable resources. With support from PetSmart Charities, many local providers offer free pet food and, in some cases, services like veterinary care and grooming. To date, 20 million pet meals have been delivered through this collaboration, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes with older adults.
4. Prepare for Unexpected Expenses
Even with routine care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can occur — and costs can add up. The PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care research revealed 52% of pet parents skipped or declined veterinary care services in 2025, with the majority citing cost as the key barrier.
Pet insurance can help manage risk. Most policies reimburse a percentage of covered veterinary costs after you meet a deductible, helping offset surprise bills. Plans vary, but average monthly premiums are around $60 for dogs and $30 for cats.
It’s also important to be open with your veterinarian about financial concerns. In many cases, clinics may be able to offer payment plans, or look for low-cost-veterinary care resources in your area.
To find a local provider and learn whether pet support is available in your area, 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/
About Feature Impact
Feature Impact serves as 4media group’s earned-first content solution, designed for scalable, audience-ready storytelling. Previously known as Family Features, this editorial service delivers measurable earned media outcomes and genuine consumer engagement via top-tier, timely, and seasonally appropriate multimedia content. Public content can be found at culinary.net and eLivingToday.com, while editors and journalists can access additional ready-to-publish resources at editors.featureimpact.com. For more information, visit featureimpact.com.
