The Rising Cost of Pet Ownership in 2025: How We're Helping Houston Families Keep Their Pets
Pet parents across the country are bracing for rising costs in 2025, and Houston is no exception. According to a new report from Rover.com, the cost of owning a dog is expected to rise by 7%, and cat ownership will jump by 10%. Some of the most alarming increases include:
- 183% increase in pet cleaning supplies
- 85% increase in treats and chews
- 11% increase in veterinary fees
- 20% increase in grooming supplies
With 28% of pet owners worried about affording their pet’s needs and 52% concerned about tariffs making things worse, shelters like Houston Humane Society are stepping up to meet the growing demand for support.
How Rising Costs Are Affecting Houston Pet Families
We’ve seen firsthand how rising costs are forcing pet owners to make heartbreaking decisions — delaying vet visits, surrendering pets, or even choosing euthanasia over unaffordable treatment. For some, just accessing basic pet food is becoming a struggle.
That’s why we’re working harder than ever to provide relief through key programs like:
Pets for Life
Serving over 200 clients in Houston’s District J, we go door-to-door bringing vet care, pet food, and supplies directly to families in an area with few pet resources.
Pet Pantry
Our weekly distribution events provide free pet food and supplies across Greater Houston — especially during disasters or times of crisis. Since launching in 2020, we’ve given out over 5 million pet meals.
Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic
Open 7 days a week, our clinic offers affordable care, vaccines, surgeries, dental services, and more to help keep pets healthy and out of shelters.
Demand Is Growing — And We Need Your Help
We currently have over 150 pet families on our waitlist for assistance. Due to rising medical costs and declining donations, we’ve had to reduce free medical services — even though the need has never been greater.
Now more than ever, we rely on our community to step in:
- Donate dry dog and cat food
- Foster pets recovering from illness or surgery
- Volunteer your time or join our Doggy Day Out program
- Make a financial gift to support our life-saving programs
Let's Keep Pets Where They Belong — With Their Families
We believe every pet deserves to stay in a loving home. With your support, we can continue bridging the gap for pet families who are struggling and prevent unnecessary surrenders.
Visit us at houstonhumane.org or in person at 14700 Almeda Rd.
Together, we can face this challenge — and make sure no family has to say goodbye to their pet because of cost.
In a recent segment on KPFT 90.1, the Houston Humane Society team shared how these challenges are impacting Houston families—and how our services are helping them keep their beloved pets. From our Pet Pantry to our Pets for Life outreach program, we’re here to help when times get tough.
🎧 Catch the full interview and learn how to support our mission here,
https://archive.kpft.org/# Thursday, April 24th episode of Amplified Houston
