If it feels like more of your friends and neighbors have a dog or cat curled up at home these days, you're not imagining it. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. pet ownership has climbed sharply over the past decade — the dog population alone grew from roughly 76.8 million to 87.3 million, and cat ownership rose from about 58.3 million to 76.3 million households. For most of these owners, the relationship goes well beyond companionship: nearly 80% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners say they consider their pet a full member of the family.
That shift in how we see our pets is changing how we care for them, too. Average household spending on veterinary care rose from about $514 in 2024 to roughly $560 in 2025 — an increase of nearly 9% in a single year. More owners are scheduling regular checkups, investing in preventive care, and budgeting for the unexpected, because a healthy pet is, quite simply, a happier member of the household.
Why the Increase in Vet Spending?
A few trends are converging at once. Pets are living longer thanks to better nutrition and preventive medicine, which means more years of ongoing care. Veterinary costs — like many healthcare costs — have risen alongside inflation. And, as the human-animal bond has deepened, owners are simply more willing to invest in things like dental cleanings, wellness exams, and early diagnostics rather than waiting until a problem becomes serious (and expensive).
Smart Ways to Support Your Pet's Health Without Overspending
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Stay ahead of problems with routine wellness visits. Catching issues early is almost always less stressful — and less costly — than treating an advanced condition.
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Keep up with preventive basics. Good nutrition, dental care, and parasite prevention go a long way toward avoiding bigger health bills down the road.
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Watch their waistline. The AVMA notes that more than half of U.S. dogs and cats are considered overweight or obese. Regular movement — a daily walk, an active play session, even a few extra minutes of fetch — benefits both ends of the leash.
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Talk to your vet about cost-effective options. From generic alternatives to flexible pharmacy solutions, there are often more ways to manage ongoing care costs than owners realize.
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Build a small "pet care" cushion. Setting aside even a modest amount each month can make unexpected vet visits far less stressful when they come up.
The bottom line: pets have firmly earned their place as family, and that's a wonderful thing. With a little planning — and the right resources in your corner — keeping that family member happy and healthy doesn't have to strain the budget. That's exactly the kind of support PetScript Direct is here to provide: helping pet parents navigate medications and care with confidence, so more tails keep wagging for years to come.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, National Pet Week 2026 coverage and AVMA pet ownership data.
