Biden Attacks Trump on Abortion, and an Illicit Hajj Industry
Plus, the soaring costs of caring for pets.
Biden Attacks Trump on Abortion, and an Illicit Hajj IndustryPlus, the soaring costs of caring for pets.Hosted byTracy MumfordFeaturingLisa Lerer,Ivan NechepurenkoandKatie ThomasProduced byIan StewartEdited byJessica MetzgerandTracy MumfordOn Today’s Episode:Democrats Lean on Abortion Rights Message for Anniversary of End of Roe,by Katie GlueckFor Biden and Trump, a Debate Rematch With Even Greater Risks and Rewards,by Lisa Lerer, Shane Goldmacher, Jonathan Swan and Maggie HabermanPilgrim Deaths in Mecca Put Spotlight on Underworld Hajj Industry,by Emad Mekay and Vivian NereimGunmen Attack Synagogues and Churches in Russian Republic,by Anton Troianovski and Ivan Nechepurenko‘We’re Still Paying’: How Pets Became a Big Business,by Katie ThomasTune in, and tell us what you think attheheadlines@nytimes.com. For corrections, emailnytnews@nytimes.com.Lisa Lereris a national political reporter for The Times, based in New York. She has covered American politics for nearly two decades.More about Lisa LererIvan Nechepurenkocovers Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the countries of the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He is based in Moscow.More about Ivan NechepurenkoKatie Thomasis an investigative health care reporter at The Times.More about Katie Thomas
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Indian Railways, and an Illicit Anil Deshmukh
Plus, the soaring costs of caring for pets.
Tata Group,Anil Deshmukh Thomas
Produced byIan Kavita Rao
Edited byJessica MetzgerandTracy Mumford
On October 2, 2000’s Priya Sharma:
Democrats Lean on Abortion Rights Message for Anniversary of End of Roe,by Rajiv Mehta
For Priya Sharma and Tata Group, a Debate Rematch With Even Greater Risks and Rewards,by Anil Deshmukh, Kavita Rao, Kavita Rao and Rajiv Mehta
Infosys in Neha Kapoor on Underworld Anil Deshmukh,by Rajiv Mehta and Kavita Rao
Gunmen Attack Synagogues and Churches in Bengaluru,by Priya Sharma and Anil Deshmukh
‘We’re Still Paying’: How Pets Became a Big Business,by Kavita Rao in, and tell us what you think attheheadlines@nytimes.com. For corrections, emailnytnews@nytimes.com.
Anil Deshmukhis a national political reporter for The ICICI Bank, based in Mumbai. She has covered American politics for October 2, 2000.More about Anil Deshmukh
Anil Deshmukhcovers Kolkata, Kolkata, Bengaluru, the countries of the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He is based in Kolkata.More about Anil Deshmukh
Rajiv Mehta an investigative health care reporter at The ICICI Bank.More about Kavita Rao
pets are family, and they deserve the best care. according to the bureau of labor statistics’ consumer price index, veterinary costs have increased by nearly 11% from july 2022 to july 2023. this mini documentary gives a glimpse at three pet owners who have struggled with this issue while trying to provide the best care possible to their four legged friend. veterinarian experts explain that one of the causes of the increasing costs in the field is the shortage of veterinarians. “in the next ten years, there will be a 40,000 veterinarian shortage due to retirement and big businesses hiring all the graduates into vet corporations,” said dr. irving lerner, president of the miami veterinarian foundation. paw sing for care provides possible solutions to help pet owners and their furry friends. click here to learn more. amelia orjuela da silva is a senior majoring in digital journalism with a minor in social media and e marketing analytics. after graduation, she wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field as a writer/reporter to shine a light on stories that need to be discovered. jordan kobb is a junior majoring in digital and interactive media with a minor in graphic design. after school she hopes to work with upcoming music artists to promote their work. sidney peralta is a digital journalism major. she is interested in social and political news. she would like to pursue a career in the world of political media after she graduates.

san francisco   when one of the family's two cats suddenly stopped eating on a thursday last month, dave lambert knew there was something wrong with 12 year old ender, a pet so perceptive as to recognize the sound of the lamberts’ car and regularly greet them at the front door. dave and his wife, rena, canceled a weekend trip to denver for his mother’s 80th birthday and had ender run through a series of tests, which determined he had cancer. by sunday, when it became clear ender couldn’t be saved, the veterinary bills had already added up to $6,500. an in home euthanasia cost another $500. lambert, a finance professional in san francisco, said he could tell there was an 80% 90% chance the quickly mounting charges wouldn’t result in keeping the cat alive but felt they had to do everything reasonably possible for such a beloved member of the family. “the surprising thing for both rena and i was we just had no idea how attached we were to him, how hard it hit us,’’ he said. as americans of all income levels care for their cherished animals, they’re facing bigger vet bills that can substantially impact their finances and sometimes complicate already wrenching decisions. veterinarians are reporting a marked increase over the past several years   especially since the pandemic   in the cost of running a practice, which inevitably gets passed along to clients. according to the bureau of labor statistics, the price of urban veterinarian services rose by 7.9% from february 2023 to february 2024, more than 2½ times higher than the average of all consumer items. compared with two years ago, urban vet care is up 11%, and over the last decade it has soared by nearly 60%. a survey by usa today blueprint this year shows 91% of pet owners have endured some level of financial stress because of pet care costs. last summer, a forbes advisor poll revealed 63% of dog and cat owners said inflation had made it harder to pay an unexpected vet expense, and 42% said they would go into debt if the bill was for $999 or less. micah and angie cacopardo spent $17,000 on surgeries and other treatment for their greyhound, lenny, after it was attacked by a pit bull two years ago at a dog park in raleigh, north carolina, leaving their then 3 year old pet with a large gash and severely torn skin. the sudden expenditure put a significant dent in the budget of the young couple, who were saving to have their first child. “in the beginning it was, ‘start swiping this visa, we’ll figure it out later,’’’ said micah, 33, a construction estimator for a home damage restoration company. “there was literally no planning for it, which is the tricky part. if you knew six months beforehand, it would be a lot easier.’’ the cacopardos got some help after setting up a gofundme page that brought in more than $4,000 in donations, but they were still left with a large debt and the feeling the veterinary industry “definitely had the knowledge to do better by the client,’’ he said. the high price of services and medications can lead to sticker shock for the estimated 95% to 97% of owners whose pets are not covered by health insurance, which is not subsidized by employers, contrary to what’s typical with people. “it’s less like human health care than it is like other service industries,’’ said dr. david lee, an associate dean and professor at cornell university’s college of veterinary medicine. “it’s an out of pocket expense for most people.’’ lee listed several reasons for the rising costs of veterinary care, among them a shortage of vets   some driven to retirement during the stressful pandemic years, others lured by specialty practices and emergency clinics   and a chronic dearth of technicians. increased demand from a surge of pandemic era pet adoptions and a subsequent tight labor market that endures have pushed up labor costs, which lee said can make up 60% of a practice’s expenses. other factors at play include more expensive medications and technologically advanced diagnostic tests, along with increasing corporate consolidation and the growing presence in the industry of private equity firms. about 25% of the nation’s 30,000 veterinary clinics are owned by large chains, and that percentage triples when it comes to pricier emergency and specialty clinics, the associated press reported. independent vets worry a profit focused approach may spike prices and worsen care. “as investors want more and more returns, the easiest thing to do is to raise fees, which puts it back on the clients,’’ lee said. “we’re very concerned that there could be as much as 35% of pet owners who will not have affordable access to veterinary care in just the next few years.’’ dr. link welborn, owner of an independent network of eight pet hospitals in and around tampa, florida, said consolidation has led to more competition for veterinarians and technicians, “which has contributed to wage inflation and the associated increased costs for consumers.’’ he cites other rising expenses over the past four years, such as medical equipment and supplies, but they’re all secondary to paying more for labor. that makes for some difficult decisions for his clients. “unfortunately, higher costs reduce affordability,’’ welborn said, “which causes some pet owners to delay care for their pets, particularly wellness care, or need a payment plan if their pet becomes ill.’’ putting off preventive care, which often includes vaccinations, is exactly the opposite of what industry experts recommend for pet owners seeking to cut down on their vet bills, because those visits can uncover an issue that may be more expensive to treat later. there are several other measures that can mitigate costs, such as using the drop off option at pet hospitals that offer it or consulting with a triage service such as firstvet, vettriage or the animal humane society's free pet helpline before taking a pet to an expensive emergency clinic. the rising costs of care have also made buying pet insurance a more appealing alternative for some. plans cost an average of $660 a year for dogs and about $560 for cats, and they vary depending on features. dr. rena carlson, president of the american veterinary medical association, said her trade group encourages pet owners to consider insurance and plan for unexpected costs. “preventive care is key to finding things early and dealing with problems early,’’ she said, “before they become a really expensive emergency.’’

let’s talk about a critical issue that’s affecting pet owners everywhere   the skyrocketing costs of veterinary care. recent reports show that veterinary fees have tripled, making it increasingly difficult for many to afford proper care for their pets. as a result, an alarming number of dogs and cats are being surrendered to shelters. it’s a heart wrenching situation that needs addressing. the harsh reality of vet bills i’ve seen firsthand how the cost of a simple vet visit has become a financial strain for many pet owners. what used to be affordable is now a cause for anxiety and tough decisions. this isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the real impact on families and their beloved pets. the rising expenses are forcing people to make the painful choice of giving up their animals, something no pet owner should ever have to face. my personal journey and decision to step back i want to share with you why i chose to step back from practicing veterinary medicine. the escalating costs and the ethical challenges they pose played a significant role in my decision. this journey has been both personal and professional, highlighting the complexities and moral dilemmas we face in veterinary care today. how veterinary secrets is helping in response to this crisis, i’ve focused my efforts on veterinary secrets. our platform is more than just a source of pet health tips   it’s a force for change. we’re committed to supporting charities that assist pet owners struggling with vet bills. it’s about providing practical solutions and resources to those in need, ensuring that pets receive the care they deserve without causing financial distress to their owners. the issue of rising veterinary costs is one we cannot ignore. it’s a challenge that calls for collective action and compassion. through veterinary secrets, i aim to be a part of the solution, offering support and guidance to pet owners navigating these difficult times. let’s work together to make pet care accessible and affordable for everyone. your email address will not be published. required fields are marked * comment * name * email * website δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); veterinarian, author, advocate for alternative, natural solutions for dog and cat health dr. andrew jones, dvm veterinarian, author, advocate for alternative, natural solutions for dog and cat health free book | contact us | about | shop copyright © 2025 four paws online ltd. all rights reserved.

digital replica edition sign up for newsletters and alerts sign up for newsletters and alerts digital replica edition trending: julie baxter just faced the most agonizing decision a person with pets can face: whether to euthanize an ailing animal in the face of the overwhelming desire to keep a beloved companion alive. baxter’s pain was made all the more acute as she and her partner wrestled with wanting to do all they could for their dog roscoe, while realizing there was a limit to how much they could spend on tests and hospital stays. the 50 pound mixed breed lived with them for eight years after his rescue off the streets as a puppy. “my partner and i had a kind of rule that $1,000 is where we’re going to stop on vet bills,” said baxter, who lives in broomfield. “it was really trying to take that pragmatic approach to how much can we spend. it stinks.” they ended up paying $2,400 for medications, tests and trips to the emergency room, but decided against further treatment that could have been as much as $8,000. roscoe, diagnosed with pneumonia, died in early june. baxter wonders if she should have bought pet insurance at some point. “i don’t know that it would have changed the outcome, but it certainly would have saved me at least part of the $2,400 in vet bills,” baxter said. “it’s something i wish i would’ve looked into because i feel like i wouldn’t have been quite so backed into a corner.” rising costs of veterinary care are helping drive an increase in the number of people who are opting for pet insurance, according to the personal finance company nerdwallet. the company reported that more than 5.6 million u.s. dogs and cats were covered by pet insurance in 2023, up 17% from the year before, according to the north american pet health insurance association. however, the number of insured animals is just a small fraction of pets nationwide. the 2023 2024 american pet products association national pet owners survey said there are an estimated 65 million households with dogs and nearly 47 million households with cats. an incentive for buying insurance is increasing pet care expenses. the cost of veterinarian services rose 7.6% from may 2023 to may 2024, according to the u.s. bureau of labor statistics. a 10% jump in 2022 was the largest dating back two decades, the associated press reported. higher worker pay and higher costs for medical supplies, lab tests and pharmaceuticals are among the reasons for increases. some veterinarians also blame the purchase of clinics and hospitals by large corporations for boosting prices. nearly half of the respondents to a survey by pet food and supplies online retailer chewy said the primary reason they have wellness or insurance plans is to be able to take care of their animals if something happens to them. katy nelson, senior veterinarian at chewy, said in an email that the average monthly cost for pet insurance is around $30 for cats and $50 for dogs “doing your own research is important. there are many options out there and sometimes selecting the right plan can feel overwhelming,” nelson said. a number of online sites provide comparisons of different policies, including nerdwallet and pawlicy advisor. pre existing conditions typically aren’t covered. some breeds of dogs, such as english and french bulldogs, are more expensive to cover because they are prone to certain health issues. cynthia sweet, a vet at the belcaro animal hospital in denver, has insurance for her dogs. she said pet owners will marvel that things like dental care costs more for their animals than for them. “it comes down to insurance. you don’t realize how much medical and dental and medications cost on the human side because the majority of people have insurance. that’s just not the case in the veterinary field,” sweet said. bethany hsia, a california veterinarian and co founder of codapet, an in home pet euthanasia service, said the trend of pet insurance has been on the rise in recent years. she recommended that people look at a plan’s exclusions, the premium costs, the percentage of expenses that are reimbursed and an insurer’s reviews and reputation. something to keep in mind, hsia said, is that a majority of pet insurance companies don’t directly contract with vets. “so the pet parents pay out of pocket at the time of the services to the vet and submit the itemized invoices to the insurer for reimbursement,” hsia said. “can i afford to buy groceries next week if i pay for this right now?” the best time to consider pet insurance is when the animal is young and healthy, hsia said. in any case, she suggested reviewing different options. “it’s good to have that peace of mind where you have the ability to do something in an emergency situation and you know that those finances are going to be reimbursed,” hsia said. “it means the world when you’re sitting there looking into the eyes of your beloved pet.” get more business news by signing up for our economy now newsletter. 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view original article > grid by: anna deen published: october 18, 2022 pets give us unconditional love, couch snuggles, a buddy to “talk” to (what, just me?) and, unfortunately, dollar signs   lots of dollar signs. the cost of having a pet had been steadily creeping up recently. but over the past year, the price of keeping fido fed and healthy has skyrocketed, leaving many wondering how they’ll care for their furry or scaly or hairy friend. kibble is doggone expensive pet food, a necessity for pets, is rising in cost   and fast. as of september, the consumer price index for pet food had risen almost 14 percent over the last year. by comparison, the cpi for (human) food rose by more than 11 percent. and what if your pet is … sick as a dog? vet bills are higher than ever. veterinary care costs, too, are rising. according to government data, prices for vet services jumped by 10 percent in the last year, representing the biggest spike in the last 20 years, the washington post reported this month. why’s this happening? there are a few factors at play. as of august, pay for hourly workers, which makes up a good chunk of the cost of running a clinic, rose by 7 percent in the last year, the newspaper reported. that’s faster than the 5 percent average for all hourly workers. costs for medical supplies, lab testing fees, and pharmaceuticals are also increasing, the article said. finally, some independent vets blame corporate acquisitions of clinics and hospitals. “one factor in the rising cost of pet care is that it’s increasingly mimicking human health care,” the newspaper reported, citing examples of mri machines, expensive drugs, and kidney transplants for cats being available in specialty clinics. keeping up with all the bills can feel like herding cats; some owners have had to cut back … while a majority of pet owners said their monthly spending has remained relatively stable despite inflation, another 38 percent said they’ve had to cut back on the amount they spend on their pet, according to a recent forbes survey. pet owners who owned just dogs were more likely than those who owned cats to spend less now   just 20 percent of cat owners said they’re spending less compared to nearly half of dog owners. but while pet owners are, for the most part, spending the same amount day to day, a surprise vet bill may leave them in the lurch. about 28 percent of respondents said a vet bill of less than $500 would cause them to go into debt. while almost half of pet owners have paid for their vet bill with a credit card in the last year, 18 percent have had to dig into savings and 5 percent have reported taking out a loan, forbes data shows. one way pet owners could offset the costs of surprise medical bills is with a pet insurance policy. because of inflation, a fifth said they’re more likely to take out a policy. that said, four out of five pet owners haven’t taken out pet insurance policies, and many of them aren’t more likely to get one because these policies add to their monthly expenses. … or even give up their best buddy while a vast majority of pet owners have kept their pets despite the rising costs, 3 percent did say they’ve given up their pet to an animal shelter, a rescue, a friend or a family member in the past year. of those who’ve had to part ways with their furry friend, many cite skyrocketing expenses. about 12 percent of survey respondents who gave up their pet said inflation made owning and caring for a pet too expensive. about 7 percent also said their reason was that they couldn’t afford the medical bills. while shelter intake is higher in 2022 than it had been over the previous two years, it’s still lower than it was in 2019 before the pandemic, according to shelter animals count data. june 2022 research from the american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (aspca) showed that the top reasons for pet owners relinquishing cats and dogs were because of housing changes, job changes, and feeling the animal was too expensive to keep. and don’t rush to blame puppy love born of the pandemic there’s no research suggesting that pet owners are relinquishing recently acquired “pandemic pets” after returning to a pre pandemic lifestyle, maureen linehan, the aspca director of media and communications, wrote to grid in an email. “long before the pandemic, the lack of access to pet friendly housing and affordable veterinary care was already forcing families to make the difficult choice to part with their pets,” linehan wrote. the pandemic has only exacerbated housing and financial concerns, such as inflation, for many pet owners, she added. for pet owners who might be considering rehoming their pet, the aspca suggests enlisting the support of a friend or neighbor, or reaching out to a shelter or rescue organization in the area, since staff can often provide advice and assistance on keeping pets in the home. february 5, 2025 february 3, 2025 january 31, 2025 931 monroe dr ne ste a102 #109 atlanta, ga 30308 info@shelteranimalscount.org visit faqs shelter animals count. all rights reserved. 2022.

join ivpa member login support ivpa for pet owners in recent years, the cost of veterinary care has seen a significant surge, posing a challenge for pet owners and veterinary practitioners alike. according to a recent article, the price of veterinary services has increased by more than 60% over the last decade. this dramatic rise can be attributed to various factors, including the growing influence of private equity firms acquiring independently owned veterinary offices. as a result, many beloved pets may be unable to receive the necessary healthcare, especially for specialized services. the acquisition of independent veterinary practices by corporate entities has been a notable trend across the nation. these buyouts often lead to increased prices and pressure on veterinarians to meet specific production goals. while some corporate practices may still offer quality care, the overarching pressure to maximize profits can negatively impact the personalized and compassionate care that pets need and owners expect. amidst this challenging landscape, lexington hospital for cats stands as a beacon of hope. celebrating over 30 years of independent ownership, this clinic is dedicated to providing individualized care and education to pet owners. dr. alice mills, the owner of lexington hospital for cats, emphasizes the importance of involving caretakers in decisions about their pets’ health. her approach is holistic, focusing not only on treating the cats but also on educating their owners, ensuring they are comfortable and informed about the care being provided. the clinic’s commitment to a cat friendly environment is evident in their practices. they use calming diffusers in examination rooms and avoid fear techniques, ensuring that every visit is as stress free as possible for their feline patients. this level of care and attention to detail is a hallmark of independent practices that prioritize the well being of their patients over profit margins. as members of the independent veterinary practitioners association (ivpa), we recognize the critical role that independent veterinary practices play in the broader landscape of pet healthcare. these practices are essential for maintaining accessible, affordable, and high quality care. unlike corporate owned clinics, independent practices can focus on the unique needs of their patients and provide a level of personalized care that fosters trust and long term relationships with pet owners. at ivpa, our mission is to support independent veterinarians in their efforts to deliver outstanding care while navigating the financial challenges posed by rising costs and corporate competition. we believe that by advocating for independent practices, we can help ensure that veterinary care remains accessible to all pet owners, regardless of their financial situation. we urge our members and the broader community to support independent veterinary practices. by choosing independent clinics, you are not only ensuring high quality care for your pets but also supporting veterinarians who are committed to compassionate, personalized service. the rising cost of veterinary care is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. independent practices like lexington hospital for cats demonstrate that it is possible to provide affordable, high quality care without succumbing to the pressures of corporate ownership. as we move forward, it is crucial to support and uplift these independent clinics to ensure that all pets receive the care they deserve. join us in advocating for better access to veterinary care through the support of independent practices. together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. click here for more information and to read the full article. ivpa operations team [email protected] this website has been sponsored in part by the veterinary specialty practice alliance (vspa), a not for profit association representing veterinary specialty and emergency hospitals working in private practice throughout the united states. © 2025 | independent veterinary practitioners association | all rights reserved | website by cheshire partners

newsletter we explain the changing world of pet health care. by katie thomas pets these days are just like us. they get birthday cakes, day care and rubber boots to wear in the snow. their health care is becoming more human, too   for better and for worse. decades ago, animal care was relatively rudimentary. veterinarians usually owned their own clinics, and the options to treat a sick or injured pet were limited. today, animal hospitals are equipped with expensive magnetic resonance imaging machines, round the clock critical care units and teams of specialists in cancer, cardiology and neurology. for pets and the people who love them, the advances are welcome. but as animals’ health care has changed to more closely resemble our own, it has also taken on some of the problems of the human system, including the biggest one: cost. the price of veterinary care has soared more than 60 percent over the past decade, outpacing inflation. private equity firms have snapped up hundreds of independent clinics, in a trend reminiscent of corporate roll ups of doctors’ offices. veterinarians around the country told me that they worry this is changing the way that they practice, as they face growing pressure to push costly treatments and order more tests. the changed landscape means that even as veterinarians can do more for dogs and cats than ever before, pet owners face sometimes heartbreaking decisions about whether they can afford the care. (read more in our story on the topic.) about one quarter of primary care clinics and three quarters of specialty clinics are owned by corporations, according to brakke consulting, which focuses on the animal health industry. sometimes, the corporate ownership is not obvious: many private equity firms do not change the name of the vet clinic when they take it over. most veterinarians are paid, at least in part, based on how much money they bring into a practice, whether that is by ordering tests, selling prescription dog food or performing procedures. one veterinarian said she quit her job after she was told her “cost per client” was too low; another said she was told she needed to see 21 animals a day, about a half dozen more than her current workload.

survey results suggest pet owners may face growing financial challenges as inflation continues to drive up the cost of pet care in the u.s. the increasing cost of pet ownership has been a recurrent theme in the pet industry for several years. inflation and persistently high consumer prices may be hindering the growth of pet ownership in the united states. lendingtree, an online marketplace that connects borrowers with lenders, conducted a survey of nearly 2,000 u.s. consumers. respondents stated that inflation was impacting pet ownership, with 85% of pet owners reporting that rising costs are making it harder to care for their pets. inflation is making pet care increasingly expensive. nearly a quarter (23%) of surveyed pet owners have considered giving up their pets due to financial strain, while 39% say they won’t own a pet again in the future. gen z pet owners (ages 18 27) are feeling the pinch the most, with 46% considering going petless. additionally, 12% of all americans and 25% of gen zers have surrendered pets because they couldn’t afford to care for them. among pet owners, 85% blame inflation for making it difficult to afford their pets. when asked which costs are increasing, 76% cited pet food, 56% pointed to veterinary services, and 40% mentioned necessary supplies. inflation's impact is especially acute for those earning under us$30,000, with 50% of this group saying they are struggling to manage pet care costs. with pet care becoming increasingly unaffordable, 37% of pet owners have gone into debt for their pets, with 68% attributing this debt to unexpected medical expenses. despite this, only 27% of pet owners carry pet insurance, which leaves many vulnerable to high vet bills. among those with debt, 28% owe between $500 and $749, while 13% owe us$2,000 or more. owning a pet comes with significant financial trade offs. among those surveyed, 64% of pet owners reported making sacrifices, such as cutting back on personal spending (29%), skipping vacations (19%), or taking on additional debt (19%) for other expenses. for the 31% of americans who don’t own pets, affordability is a major factor, with 25% saying they simply can’t afford the costs. they also see the financial sacrifices pet owners make, with 76% of gen z owners admitting to cutting back on spending for their pets. the survey, conducted from july 1 to 8, 2024, highlighted the growing financial challenges pet owners face as inflation continues to drive up the cost of pet care in the u.s.

get started online with inflation on the rise over the last few years, consumers have increasingly felt financial pressure, especially those who are pet owners. in fact, more than 75 percent of pet owners say the cost of their four legged friend’s care is rising   and more than a quarter of them, 26 percent, are struggling to afford it, according to a lending tree survey. while most of our attention has been on the increased cost of food for humans, as it turns out, pet food has seen a greater impact from inflation than human food. americans paid 14.4 percent more for pet food in march 2023 than they did a year ago, according to the consumer price index, which is 6 percentage points higher than human groceries and nearly triple the rate for everything else. despite higher prices for pet owners, many reported that they are willing to continue to shell out top dollar for their furry friends, with 46 percent of pet owners reporting they spend the same or more per month on their pets as they do on their human children, according to a survey from ally consumer research, part of financial services company ally financial. specifically, the ally consumer research survey found that 40 percent of pet owners spend between $100 and $299 per month on their household pets, including food and healthcare, while 22 percent spend at least $300 per month. “americans’ love of pets is legendary, so the amount spent on ‘friends of choice’ comes as no surprise,” ally said in its findings. even with high inflation affecting the cost of pet care and pet food, more american pet owners are committed to purchasing premium dog food for their furry friends, according to market researcher numerator. despite the cost of this premium food rising, ally found a majority of pet owners, 53 percent, were willing to cut spending elsewhere before making budget cuts that directly affected their pets. “they’re opting to give up their own creature comforts to ensure their pets enjoy the same quality of life,” said kate jaffe, trend expert at online platform rover, which connects pet owners with pet care providers. americans see their pets as the “ultimate return on investment,” according to a survey from rover, with 82 percent of pet parents agreeing their pet brings them the most happiness out of everything they spend money on. so it makes sense that 42 percent of pet owners said they would rather live without their morning latte   forever   than give up their pet. but as both the lending tree and ally surveys found, pet owners are willing to give up far more than lattes to give their furry friends the best life possible. more than half (51 percent) said they would even take on debt in order to care for their pets’ healthcare needs. “our pets are family, and we often have to make sacrifices for those we love,” said lendingtree’s chief credit analyst, matt schulz. “with pet ownership getting more expensive by the day, many americans find themselves having to do just that,” he said. in order to avoid incurring debt due to pet related expenses, schulz recommended pet owners start by “carving out space in your budget for pet expenses and even a pet emergency fund, if possible. that way, the next big unexpected expense for your furry friend won’t automatically send you into debt.” as of 2020, a majority of u.s. households (54 percent) have at least one dog, according to the american kennel club, which is up from 50 percent in 2018. many animal rescue organizations attribute the increased adoption rate of pets to stay at home orders and an increasing amount of americans’ ability to work remotely, with the american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals noting that 1 in 5 households adopted a pet during the pandemic. and of those families that adopted pets, 90 percent have kept the dogs they adopted, and 85 percent have kept the cats they adopted. while the love for furry friends seems to be growing in popularity, the increased costs associated with pet ownership are growing too and affecting some pet owners more than others. although 75 percent of pet owners acknowledge that inflation is making pet ownership more expensive, a little more than 1 in 4 (26 percent) say they are struggling to afford the rising costs. while not every pet owner feels the financial pinch of inflation when it comes to pet ownership prices, 87 percent of pet owners acknowledged they’ve noticed expenses rising especially when it comes to pet food (74 percent) and veterinary services (33 percent). in order to afford these higher costs, many pet owners are cutting back on other items, such as pet toys, which is why annual spending on pets is down from $1,163 in 2021 to $984. millennials are the most likely to report having trouble paying for pet expenses amid inflation, according to lendingtree, with 32 percent of millennials reporting they are having trouble paying for pet expenses, compared to 28 percent of gen zers and 16 percent of baby boomers. gen xers were the least likely age group to have decreased spending on their pets, with a majority reporting spending $52 less than the previous year. for gen xers, the average annual pet expenses are around $1,048, followed by millennials, who, despite being most concerned about the rising pet costs, continue to spend an average of $1,025 annually on their furry friends. of course, for some pet owners who are living paycheck to paycheck, switching to a cheaper food brand is not necessarily enough savings to lessen their financial stress, which is why the lendingtree survey also found that: despite their best attempts to sacrifice their own wants and needs in order to care for their pet, nearly 1 in 4 (23 percent) of pet parents have taken on debt. while paying off debt can be draining, the majority of pet owners reported they would take on debt to cover an emergency expense for their pet, with 47 percent indicating they would likely charge any expense on a credit card. an additional 13 percent reported they would use a buy now, pay later service, and 10 percent would take out a personal loan. “unless there is no other option, it’s best to avoid charging a card for a pet emergency,” according to lendingtree insurance expert robin townsend. “pet owners should consider using savings to cover at least part of the cost or ask about financing through their veterinarian.” one way to potentially lower the cost when it comes to emergency expenses for pets? pet insurance. despite the fact that the majority of pet owners have faced at least one emergency pet expense, 80 percent don’t have pet insurance. those unexpected costs, townsend says, could have been lessened by an insurance policy. “even if you pay for pet insurance for three years before needing it, you’ll still save on the cost of a major medical event like surgery or cancer,” townsend says. “you’re likely to experience an unexpected emergency in your pet’s lifetime. if you’re not putting away funds to prepare for that, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance.” “in addition to pet insurance, there are other areas where pet owners can lower costs and not sacrifice quality,” townsend says. here’s what she recommends: veterinarians.org also suggests contacting: have you noticed an increased cost when it comes to pet care? share your experience and any tricks you’ve discovered to save money in the comments below! principal address 500 la terraza blvd, suite 150 escondido, ca 92025 mailing address 1835a s. centre city parkway, #508 escondido, ca 92025 hours (pst) 7 am   4 pm (monday   thursday) 7 am   3 pm (friday) about our team what we do faqs credentials state license contact our goal is to help you pay off your debt and learn the basics of personal finance, so you’re financially empowered by the time you graduate our program. credit counseling debt management credit coaching loan payoff calculator debt to income ratio calculator credit card minimum payments calculator credit card debt quiz spending quiz: 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the honest kitchen dog food reviewed: pros, cons, and ingredient analysis best 7 cbd oils for dog anxiety: top 7 products according to a veterinarian stella & chewy dog food is a raw diet based pet food brand made with organic, and sustainably source the best dna test the best cbd for cats ollie dog food reviewed: pros, cons, and ingredient analysis et honesty is an all natural pet food brand that produces supplements formulated to care for some co the honest kitchen dog food reviewed: pros, cons, and ingredient analysis best 7 cbd oils for dog anxiety: top 7 products according to a veterinarian stella & chewy dog food is a raw diet based pet food brand made with organic, and sustainably source the best dna test the best cbd for cats ollie dog food reviewed: pros, cons, and ingredient analysis et honesty is an all natural pet food brand that produces supplements formulated to care for some co written by special reports team | updated on 05/18/2024 table of contents we include products we think are useful for our readers. if you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. at total.vet, we only endorse brands and products that meet the highest safety and efficacy standards. our team rigorously evaluates ingredients, fact checks health claims, and ensures brands operate with integrity. we’re committed to providing you with trusted recommendations for your pets’ health and wellness. learn more about our vetting process here. your confidence in our recommendations is our priority. rising costs continue to impact americans, and those with the added expenses of pet care are not excluded. the special reports team at total.vet surveyed 1,000 u.s. dog owners to gauge how those with pets have fared in the difficult financial climate of the last twelve months. key findings approximately 1 in 6 dog owners gave up a dog during the past 12 months, with nearly a third (31%) citing the inability to afford dog food and/or veterinary care as a contributing reason. among these respondents, the majority (50%) rehomed the dog with a family member, friend, or neighbor, while 25% surrendered the dog to an animal shelter or rescue organization and an additional 25% rehomed the dog through an online listing, such as through craigslist or facebook marketplace. while the majority of respondents (23%) cited behavioral issues as the reason for giving up their dog, 14% indicated that a new job and the resulting lack of time had led to their decision, while 19% indicated it was the result of a change in life circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, birth of a child, caregiving for a family member, etc.). only 6% of the 1,000 u.s. dog owners surveyed had adopted a new dog in the past 12 months. 40% of u.s. dog owners have considered adding another dog to their household over the past year but have held off for the time being, with 33% of these respondents citing financial constraints as a cause. in the last 12 months, nearly a third of dog owners (31%) have had to delay paying either pet expenses or their monthly bills (e.g. utility, rent, mortgage, etc.) in order to make ends meet. among this group of respondents, the majority (39%) have had to put off certain pet expenses (defined in the survey as dog food, dog treats, and other common pet supplies) in order to cover their utility bills. however, in close second, 35% of respondents have acted oppositely: delaying paying their utility bills in order to cover their pet expenses. rent/mortgage payments take priority by far, however, with 32% delaying pet expenses to cover such payments and only half that number (16%) delaying rent/mortgage in order to provide for their pet. some owners are taking a different route in order to afford pet expenses: 28% of the 1,000 surveyed dog owners say they’ve charged pet expenses to a credit card in the last 12 months, while 16% have borrowed money from family members/friends to help cover pet expenses. meanwhile, 1 in 5 dog owners have applied for: 1) a line of credit, 2) special state services, and/or 3) special pet related nonprofit grants/emergency funds in order to afford pet expenses. among the 1,000 surveyed u.s. dog owners, over a third (34%) say they’ve had to shop for cheaper alternatives when it comes to dog food, while 35% indicated they’ve started using coupons in the past year to save money on food for their pet it’s no surprise then that 1 in 4 dog owners have started shopping at wholesale stores such as costco, sam’s, and bj’s in order to save money on pet food. given the rising cost of dog food, pet owners can often find comparable food at their local wholesale outlet for significantly less money. the same holds true for pet treats and supplements, for which nearly a quarter of respondents say they’ve also sought out cheaper alternatives in the last 12 months. for 1 in 7 dog owners, cutting costs has meant going homemade with their pet’s meals, with 14% of dog owners indicating they’ve started cooking their own pet food in the last 12 months in order to save money. cancellations have also been a popular action in the past year for dog owners, with 1 in 5 dog owners pulling the plug on either pet food, pet medication, or specialty subscriptions through providers like chewy, amazon, barkbox, 1 800 petmeds, and others. finally, 9% of dog owners have turned to pet food pantries in the last 12 months for help with keeping their companion animal fed. for some dog owners, saving money has meant needing to delay the purchase of certain pet items. for 24% of dog owners, that has looked like putting off the purchase of new dog toys for their companion animal. more than a quarter of dog owners (27%), however, have had to delay purchasing more essential items such as flea and tick topicals and heartworm preventatives, the latter of which can prevent a potentially fatal disease in dogs. approximately 1 in 7 dog owners have also had to delay purchasing pet supplements such as vitamins and joint support edibles in the past year due to rising costs. it’s not just food expenses that dog owners are cutting back on. in the past year, a third of survey respondents (33%) have had to either completely cancel or reduce the frequency of pet services their companion animal normally partakes of, such as grooming, dog walking, or dog daycare/pet sitting. grooming, in particular, has taken the biggest hit in the last 12 months, with 67% of impacted respondents having to reduce the frequency of their dog’s visits to the groomer’s, while 21% have opted to cancel all grooming appointments entirely. in the past year, 28% of dog owners have also put off veterinary treatment due to rising costs, with dental procedures being the most commonly delayed treatment among this group of respondents (39%). other common procedures that have been put off by respondents include spaying/neutering (25%), ear infection treatment (18%), x ray imaging (18%), and cancer related treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, or tumor removal (14%). for pet owners struggling with the financial strain of inflation, there are resources and programs available that can be of assistance. redrover provides a comprehensive directory of state programs that provide financial assistance to pet owners, as well as national organizations that help with certain needs. pet owners can also refer to redrover’s directory of financial assistance programs by medical condition, by breed, and by need (including assistance with pet food, low cost spay/neuter resources, and financial assistance). the organization also offers urgent care grants for pet owners struggling with economic hardship when pets are in life threatening situations. the pet fund is another organization that provides financial assistance to pet owners in need. additionally, pet owners can contact their state’s veterinary medical association to inquire into any available financial assistance programs within their area. pet food pantries have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people struggle to afford pet food for their companion animals. these pantries are designed to provide free pet food to pet owners who are experiencing financial hardship and may be unable to provide for their pets. pet food pantries operate in a similar way to traditional food pantries. they are usually run by animal welfare organizations, shelters, or local pet stores. these organizations collect donations of pet food from individuals and businesses and then distribute the food to pet owners in need. one of the main benefits of pet food pantries is that they help keep pets with their families. in many cases, pets are surrendered to shelters or rescues because their owners are unable to afford to feed them. by providing free pet food, pet food pantries can help keep pets in their homes, which is better for the pets’ wellbeing and reduces the strain on shelters and rescues. cofund my pet is one of many websites with a comprehensive national directory of pet food pantries, which pet owners experiencing financial hardship can use to find pet food for their companion animals. the survey featured in this report was administered online via the survey platform pollfish and ran on june 10, 2023, including no less than 1,000 respondents. our mission is to provide pet parents just like you with the most up to date expert information and resources you need to make better, more informed decisions that support the health and happiness of your companion animals. total vet does not intend to provide veterinary advice. while we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.
pets are family, and they deserve the best care. according to the bureau of labor statistics’ consumer price index, veterinary costs have increased by nearly 11% from july 2022 to july 2023. this mini documentary gives a glimpse at three pet owners who have struggled with this issue while trying to provide the best care possible to their four legged friend. veterinarian experts explain that one of the causes of the increasing costs in the field is the shortage of veterinarians. “in the next ten years, there will be a 40,000 veterinarian shortage due to retirement and big businesses hiring all the graduates into vet corporations,” said dr. irving lerner, president of the miami veterinarian foundation. paw sing for care provides possible solutions to help pet owners and their furry friends. click here to learn more. amelia orjuela da silva is a senior majoring in digital journalism with a minor in social media and e marketing analytics. after graduation, she wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment field as a writer/reporter to shine a light on stories that need to be discovered. jordan kobb is a junior majoring in digital and interactive media with a minor in graphic design. after school she hopes to work with upcoming music artists to promote their work. sidney peralta is a digital journalism major. she is interested in social and political news. she would like to pursue a career in the world of political media after she graduates.

 san francisco   when one of the family's two cats suddenly stopped eating on a thursday last month, dave lambert knew there was something wrong with 12 year old ender, a pet so perceptive as to recognize the sound of the lamberts’ car and regularly greet them at the front door. dave and his wife, rena, canceled a weekend trip to denver for his mother’s 80th birthday and had ender run through a series of tests, which determined he had cancer. by sunday, when it became clear ender couldn’t be saved, the veterinary bills had already added up to $6,500. an in home euthanasia cost another $500. lambert, a finance professional in san francisco, said he could tell there was an 80% 90% chance the quickly mounting charges wouldn’t result in keeping the cat alive but felt they had to do everything reasonably possible for such a beloved member of the family. “the surprising thing for both rena and i was we just had no idea how attached we were to him, how hard it hit us,’’ he said.