Majority US Pet Owners Skip Vet Care Amid Rising Costs

Pet care costs in the U.S. have surged dramatically, with lifetime expenses for dogs rising by about 12% and nearly 20% for cats since 2022, according to multiple studies including Synchrony's 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study. Many pet owners underestimate these costs, expecting to pay far less than the actual average, which can range from $22,125 to over $60,000 for dogs and $20,073 to $47,106 for cats over their lifetimes. This financial burden has led over half of U.S. pet owners to delay or skip veterinary care, with 70% citing cost as the primary reason, affecting even higher-income households. Veterinarians attribute high prices to expensive 24-hour clinic operations, inflation, and advanced medical technology, while many pet owners are not offered or unaware of lower-cost care alternatives. The rising costs and unexpected bills contribute to significant financial stress, prompting many to rely on pet insurance, credit cards, or payment plans, though only a minority have emergency savings or insurance coverage. Experts warn that delaying veterinary care can worsen pet health outcomes, emphasizing the need for more accessible financial solutions for pet owners.