Canadians are slashing vacations, takeout and lattes — but they refuse to cut back on their pets

Economic pressure is forcing many to make hard spending choices — but for most pet owners, their animals aren't part of that conversation. The Rover report found that 58% consider pet care a non-negotiable expense, and 57% say it would be the last budget category they'd reduce.

What would you cut back on for your pet?

Nearly 1 in 3 Canadian pet owners say they'd give up almost any personal expense before cutting back on their animal's care, according to the report. In practice, that means skipping restaurants and takeout (36%), pulling back on discretionary shopping (34%), cutting daily coffee runs (29%), cancelling vacations (27%) and passing on concerts or sporting events (26%).

Most Canadian pet owners have felt pet costs rise over the past year. What's notable is how many have absorbed that pressure without cutting back: 43% say they've kept their level of care intact by changing how they spend rather than how much. That means leaning on loyalty and rewards programs (53%), buying in bulk (45%) and, in a nod to ongoing tariff concerns, switching to locally made or sourced pet products (44%).

What’s driving costs?

For all the willingness to sacrifice, the financial strain is real. According to the Rover report, vet visits (56%), pet food (45%) and medications (27%) are the top drivers of rising costs — and 39% of Canadian pet owners say an unexpected vet bill would put them in debt. Just over half (57%) have a dedicated financial safety net, such as an emergency fund or pet insurance. Renters and condo owners face additional pressure: half of pet owners pay mandatory housing fees like pet rent or security deposits, ranging from $500 to $1,000 a year for nearly 4 in 10 condo dwellers.

Thinking about pet insurance?

If you have a pet, you know the costs can add up fast: food, grooming, toys and especially vet visits.

According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, routine veterinary care for a dog can cost between $4,100 and $5,200 per year. And this doesn’t account for expensive emergencies.

That’s why paying for pet insurance often ends up being more affordable than paying out of pocket for surprise vet bills.

Instead of absorbing big, unexpected bills all at once, Petsecure✢ helps cover up to 80% of eligible vet bills, including taxes and exam fees.

Petsecure also offers four tiered plans depending on what you actually need — from essential coverage to unlimited accident and condition protection, plus dental and optional wellness care.

Sign up today and you can get 10% off your first year of pet insurance.

Using AI for solutions

The financial outlook is making Canadian pet owners uneasy — 69% say they're not confident they can maintain their current level of care over the next year. In response, many are looking to technological solutions. According to the Rover report, 75% would consider AI-powered tools to help manage pet care. What they want most from those tools is practical — health information and answers (35%), scheduling and routine management (24%), care improvements and alternatives (22%) and ways to reduce spending (19%).

The reason why people are making these cuts is clear — pets provide the ultimate return on investment, with 91% of pet parents agreeing they bring more joy than any other expense. What would you be willing to cut back on for your fur babies?

✢ Disclaimer: The views and information shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and general understanding. The author is not a licensed insurance agent, broker, or advisor, and nothing in this piece should be interpreted as insurance advice or a recommendation.