<\/p>\n
Sixty-five percent of pet owners would make budget cuts to their own lifestyle before disrupting their pet\u2019s,\u00a0according to new research<\/a>.<\/p>\n A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners found that they spare no expense when it comes to their furry friends, splurging on high-quality food (66%), new toys (40%) and grooming sessions (24%).<\/p>\n Conducted by Talker Research for\u00a0MetLife Pet Insurance<\/a>, the annual survey found that you can\u2019t put a price on these pets\u2019 love: 85% said their pet has been their main source of happiness throughout 2025.<\/p>\n Thinking back on the year, pet parents recall their companion being around through tough times like financial struggles (31%), mental health challenges (30%) and losing a loved one (24%).<\/p>\n Nine in 10 said their pet gives them something positive to focus on when things aren\u2019t going their way (91%).<\/p>\n Knowing how much their furry friend means to them, 71% said that even when they have other things on their mind, their pet\u2019s future is constantly up there with their concerns.<\/p>\n To ensure their pet\u2019s wellness over time, pet owners are most keen on staying up to date on vaccinations (48%) and purchasing high-quality food (46%).<\/p>\n Others ensure their pet gets regular exercise (45%) and regularly grooms them (42%).<\/p>\n Regular vet visits are key to staying on top of their furry friends\u2019 health, with a majority of pet parents saying their pet visits the doctor just as, if not more often than they do (61%).<\/p>\n More of these visits tend to be preventative to maintain their pet\u2019s health (60%), while 40% are reactive when something is wrong.<\/p>\n This care has proved critical for more than a third (37%) of pet owners who were able to catch a health concern early on by taking their pet in for a checkup.<\/p>\n \u201cPreventative veterinary care can dramatically change health outcomes. These findings tell a clear story: regular checkups, vaccinations and dental exams help keep small problems from becoming emergencies,\u201d said Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. \u201cThe guidance and protection offered by pet insurance can help families stay current with their pet\u2019s care. Doing so may identify issues early, which may mean simpler, less expensive treatments, resulting in less financial strain and stress for families.\u201d<\/p>\n Although important, the cost of care continues to rise, along with other pet expenses.<\/p>\n Pet parents spent $1,135 on health-related expenses for their furry friend in 2025, with $472 of that spent on insurance and the remaining $663 on vet visits.<\/p>\n This total is up from $998 in 2024 ($348 on insurance and $650 on vet visits).<\/p>\n Rising costs have led to more pet owners taking control of their finances by creating budgets for what they spend on their pet. This year, nearly half have a budget when it comes to how much they aim to spend on their pet (48%), compared to 42% last year.<\/p>\n While 2024\u2019s average monthly budget was $115, that guideline saw a 20% increase to $138 in 2025.<\/p>\n Pet owners were able to save on food (down to $470 in 2025 from $506 in 2024) but saw increases in how much they spend on toys ($247, up from $198), clothes ($223, up from $150) and treats ($285, up from $234).<\/p>\n This brings the average pet parent\u2019s total cost of a pet to $2,360 in 2025 \u2014 up from $2,086 in 2024.<\/p>\n And with the state of the economy, 37% anticipate spending more money on their pet in 2026 \u2014 an expectation that pet owners have had since 2024 (36%).<\/p>\n Pet parents are trying their best to plan ahead, especially since one in five have had a pet undergo a major unexpected health event in 2025 (22%), nearly double the percentage from 2024 (13%).<\/p>\n While pet parents were more prepared for the cost this time around (71% vs. 52%), the bill still averaged a hefty $555.<\/p>\n \u201cPet emergencies are unpredictable and expensive. It\u2019s encouraging that 71% of pet parents now feel financially prepared for a medical emergency, up from 52% in 2024, but nearly a quarter still aren\u2019t confident,\u201d said Jorgensen. \u201cFamilies can take practical steps to strengthen their safety net: talk with their veterinarian about potential costs and consider pet insurance to help manage their expenses and surprise bills. Preparing now means pet owners can take action quickly when it matters most, focusing on their pet\u2019s care, not their wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n Research methodology:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Talker Research surveyed 2,000 dog and cat owners who have access to the internet<\/strong>; the survey was commissioned by\u00a0MetLife<\/strong>\u00a0and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between\u00a0Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, 2025<\/strong>. A link to the questionnaire can be found [here<\/b><\/a>].<\/p>\n To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR\u2019s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research\u00a0Process and Methodology page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nNavigating Long-Term Concerns for Pet Wellness<\/b><\/h2>\n
Shifting Consumer Habits in Pet Products<\/b><\/h3>\n