Most Pet Owners Would Cut Their Own Spending Before Cutting Back on Their Pets, Survey Finds

Photo credit: Eric Isselee // Shutterstock.com

For many people, pets aren’t just animals. They’re family, and when it comes to budgeting, that mindset is becoming clearer than ever.

A new survey found that 65% of pet owners would cut back on their own lifestyle spending before making sacrifices for their pets. After discovering that BARK Air launched the world’s first airline designed exclusively for dogs, this may not come as a surprise.

However, the exact numbers are a little shocking.

Here are some of the most surprising statistics and the reasoning behind them.

Pets Are a Top Priority, Even During Tough Times

The research, based on 2,000 dog and cat owners, shows just how important pets have become in people’s lives.

In fact:

85% said their pet was their main source of happiness throughout the past year
91% said their pet gives them something positive to focus on when life gets difficult

Many also said their pets helped them through:

Financial struggles (31%)
Mental health challenges (30%)
Losing a loved one (24%)

Cute dog with different pet accessories at home. — Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

Where Pet Owners Are Spending the Most

It’s not just emotional. There’s a financial commitment, too.

Pet owners reported spending on:

High-quality food (66%)
New toys (40%)
Grooming (24%)

And when it comes to health:

61% said their pet goes to the vet just as often, or more often, than they visit the doctor
Most visits are preventative (60%), not just for emergencies

Costs Are Rising… But Spending Isn’t Slowing Down

Pet care is getting more expensive, but that hasn’t stopped people from prioritizing it.

In 2025:

The average pet owner spent $1,135 on health-related expenses
Total annual pet costs reached $2,360, up from $2,086 the year before

Even monthly budgets are increasing:

Up from $115 in 2024 to $138 in 2025

And 37% of pet owners expect to spend even more in the coming year.

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Pet Owners Are Planning Ahead More Than Ever

With rising costs, more people are taking a proactive approach.

Nearly half of pet owners now set a budget specifically for their pet’s needs (48%).

And when it comes to emergencies:

22% experienced a major unexpected pet health issue in the past year
The average cost of those emergencies was $555

Still, more owners say they feel prepared compared to previous years.

Why People Are Willing to Spend More

At the end of the day, it comes down to the role pets play in people’s lives.

Beyond companionship, many owners said they regularly think about their pet’s future, even when dealing with other stressors (71%).

That emotional connection is driving real financial decisions, causing pet owners to prioritize their furry friends even when budgets are tight.

For a lot of people, it’s not really a question of whether they’ll spend more on their pets. It’s what they’re willing to give up to make it happen. While it’s clear that pet owners across the country love their pets, there are a few states that stand out from the rest, according to our article reporting the 10 U.S. states most likely to spoil their pets. If you’re among them, be sure to take a look at the best holiday gifts for pets to start planning (and budgeting) for the holiday season.

The 10 States Least Likely to Buy Their Pets a Gift, Ranked

A gray and white Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog with a grumpy expression on its face. — Mary Swift / Shutterstock

While millions of Americans happily spoil their pets each year, a new nationwide analysis shows that some states rarely, if ever, splurge on non-essential gifts for their animals.