The Rising Cost of Pet Care: Insurance, Prevention, and New Challenges for Owners
More Canadians finding it difficult to afford pricey pet care
22 Sep 2025
Many Canadian pet owners are struggling to afford veterinary care, with a PetSmart Charities survey showing 50% skipped or declined care in the past year, and 67% citing financial constraints. Cost (41%) and perceived low value (37%) were the main reasons for avoiding treatment. Veterinarians stress prevention and early pet insurance to reduce long-term costs, while real cases show insurance can save thousands on emergencies. Alternative solutions like telemedicine and payment plans are underused, with only 21% of owners reporting access. Overall, affordability and awareness remain key challenges in ensuring pets receive proper care.
How to maintain the physical and mental well-being of pets
17 Sep 2025
Two-thirds of American households now own at least one pet, with ownership rising 10% over the past 30 years and many acquiring pets during the pandemic. Dogs are most popular, followed by cats and freshwater fish, and half of owners consider pets part of the family. Millennials lead pet ownership at 33%, followed by Gen X, baby boomers, and Gen Z. As pet numbers grow, so does pet insurance, now covering 6.5 million Americans, a 13% increase from 2023. Rising pet care costs, exceeding $140 billion annually, alongside shortages of veterinarians, are driving demand for insurance and highlighting the challenges of pet healthcare.
