You know how much we love our furry friends here in Canada, right? Well, a new report just came out, and it looks like owning a pet in 2025 is going to cost a fair bit more. This study, done by some folks who really know the Canadian pet market, examined all the costs of caring for dogs and cats, and they discovered a pretty substantial increase over the years.

It looks like a few things are driving this. To start with, just plain inflation is causing pet food and pet supplies to increase in cost. Then, veterinarian bills are on the rise, and more people are demanding those extra pet services as well. For dog owners, they’re indicating that you might be in the range of spending a lot per year, depending on the size of the dog, age of the dog, and whether they have any medical problems. Cat owners feel it as well, with annual expenses now pegged in good amount..

It’s rewarding to have a pet, but Canadians just need to be cognizant of the amount of money it costs today, Analyst who produced the report says. “Our data is definite, and families must budget ahead so that they can provide the best possible life for their pets,” they explained.

Why Things Are Costing More

• Food and Treats: This is a large one that we purchase all the time, and the cost of pet food and treats has certainly increased. Inflation is coming into play, and many owners desire those very good, specialized foods, perhaps even local, which can be more expensive.
• Vet Care: Visits to the vet are becoming more costly, whether for routine visits, vaccinations, or if your pet becomes ill. Improved technology in veterinary medicine and too few vets in certain locations are likely to be adding to this.
• Stuff We Buy: All that stuff such as leashes, litter boxes, toys, and scratching posts? They’re also becoming more expensive.
• Grooming and Services: Taking your pet in for professional grooming or hiring services such as dog walking and boarding is also on the rise in cost, likely due to higher labor costs and increased demand.

Where You Live Matters:

The report also indicated that it costs varying amounts to have a pet in various areas of Canada. Areas such as Alberta and Ontario are reportedly more costly in terms of overall expense in comparison to locations such as Quebec and British Columbia. Usually, this relates to the cost of living, what vets require for payment, and the overall expense of taking on a pet there.

How Canadians Are Handling It:

Since everything is becoming more costly, many Canadian pet owners are adapting the way they spend. Some are purchasing cheaper brands of pet food, while others are reducing expendable items in order to still be able to provide for their pets. There is also a trend now where individuals would rather purchase local pet items, even if they are a little more expensive, as they wish to patronize local establishments.

What’s Next?

With living expenses being such a huge issue for many Canadians, the money aspect of having a pet will likely remain something individuals will give considerable thought to. Experts are urging anyone considering getting a pet, and existing owners as well, to seriously research all the expenses involved before taking an animal in and to budget for their future care. The hope is that if we’re all more aware of these increasing costs, it will result in more responsible pet ownership and assistance in finding ways to make pet care more accessible to everyone.

Also read: Ontario Humane Society Seeks Public Assistance in Harrowing Dog Neglect Case