Cleburne County, AL – As pet care costs continue to surge across the U.S. in 2025, new data from Rover’s annual True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report offers a glimmer of relief for pet owners in certain areas of the country. The report, based on extensive research and survey data, highlights the growing financial burden of pet ownership while identifying the most and least affordable cities for pet care nationwide.
Nationally, veterinary fees have risen by 11%, pet cleaning supplies are up 183%, and treats and chews have increased by 85%. The average lifetime cost of caring for a dog has climbed to $34,550, while the cost for a cat now averages $32,170. These increases are making it more difficult for families to manage pet expenses—28% of surveyed pet owners say they are worried about affording basic needs for their animals, and 52% are concerned that tariffs will continue to drive prices higher.
Rover’s report reveals a significant disparity in costs depending on geographic location. Cities like Manhattan, San Francisco, Greenwich (CT), and Seattle top the list as the most expensive for pet ownership. In contrast, smaller cities such as Parsons, Kansas; Lawton, Oklahoma; and Anniston, Alabama rank as the top three most affordable, offering major savings on services like veterinary visits, boarding, grooming, and pet insurance.
Even in lower-cost areas, however, owners are feeling the pressure. The report found that 69% of pet parents say food and treats take up the bulk of their pet care budgets, and one-third have cut personal expenses—including groceries and entertainment—to cover pet-related costs. Despite these challenges, many remain committed to their animals: 34% of pet parents say they would only cut pet spending as a last resort.
Rover’s methodology combined cost of living data, real estate trends, veterinary service pricing, pet insurance rates, and survey feedback to create a comprehensive view of pet care affordability across the country. The company also reported that adoption costs have dropped year-over-year, with dog adoption fees down 19% and cat fees down 16%, offering some relief for families considering new pets.
While expenses are expected to continue rising—7% for dogs and 10% for cats in 2025—Rover’s report highlights the importance of location when budgeting for pet ownership. For families planning ahead, understanding these cost differences is more essential than ever.
To view Rover’s full reports for dogs and cats, including detailed city rankings and cost projections, visit Rover.com.
