The Pet Care Industry and Tariffs. What is going to happen? The recent substantial tariffs imposed by President Trump on imports from key trading partners, specifically, the 10% “”baseline” tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 54% tariff on Chinese products, has raised significant concerns across various sectors of the U.S. economy. One area poised to feel the impact acutely is the pet care industry, which could see a notable increase in costs for pet owners nationwide.
Understanding Tariffs and Their Economic Impact
Tariffs are taxes levied on imported goods, intended to make these goods more expensive and thus less attractive compared to domestically produced products. While the goal is to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, tariffs often lead to increased prices for consumers, as importers typically pass on the additional costs. This mechanism can lead to broader economic consequences, including inflationary pressures and strained international trade relationships. For instance, economists predict that the proposed tariffs could raise U.S. consumer prices by 0.75%, leading to reduced purchasing power for households and potential job losses in trade-dependent industries.
Tariffs Announced On “Liberation Day”
On Wednesday April 2nd 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced “reciprocal tariffs” affecting over 180 countries and territories. The new measures include a 20% tariff on imports from the European Union and a 10% levy on goods from the U.K. Luxury items, automobiles, and German exports face the steepest impact, while regional currencies and European pharmaceutical companies saw some positive movement on Thursday.
The Pet Care Industry’s Global Supply Chain
The pet care industry in the United States is deeply integrated into the global supply chain, relying heavily on imports for various products and services. Key areas of dependence include:
Pet Food and Treats: Many pet food brands source ingredients or manufacture their products abroad. For example, some companies choose Canadian facilities to obtain products from small local farmers that meet specific quality standards, such as being hormone and antibiotic-free.
Veterinary Equipment and Supplies: Essential veterinary tools and supplies, including syringes, surgical gloves, X-ray machines, and ultrasound equipment, are often imported. Tariffs on these items could lead to higher operational costs for veterinary clinics, which may be passed on to pet owners.
Pet Accessories and Toys: A significant portion of pet accessories, such as toys, leashes, and bedding, are manufactured in countries like China. Tariffs on these goods would directly increase retail prices, affecting consumers’ wallets.
Direct Impact on Pet Food Costs
Pet food is a primary area where tariffs could drive up costs for pet owners. The United States imports various pet food products and ingredients, particularly from Canada. Imposing a 25% tariff on these imports would increase production costs for pet food manufacturers, leading to higher prices on store shelves. Jeremy Petersen, owner of Identity Pet Nutrition, expressed concerns that such tariffs could force small businesses to pass on increased costs to consumers, potentially doubling product prices.
Additionally, tariffs on materials like aluminum and steel, used in packaging (e.g., cans for wet pet food), could further escalate costs. During previous tariff implementations, the pet food industry experienced increased production expenses due to higher packaging costs, which were subsequently reflected in consumer prices.
Rising Veterinary Care Expenses
Veterinary clinics are not insulated from the effects of tariffs. Many clinics rely on imported medical supplies and equipment. Tariffs on these imports would elevate operational costs, which clinics might transfer to pet owners through higher service fees. For instance, the cost of vaccinations and other routine procedures could rise, making pet healthcare more expensive.
Moreover, increased costs for veterinary clinics could result in reduced salaries or benefits for veterinary professionals, potentially affecting the quality of care provided.
Impact on Pet Accessories and Supplies
Beyond food and medical care, tariffs would affect the cost of pet accessories and supplies. Items such as collars, leashes, toys, and bedding, predominantly manufactured in countries facing new tariffs, would see price hikes. Pet owners might find themselves paying more for these essential items, adding to the overall cost of pet ownership.
Potential Consequences for Pet Owners
The cumulative effect of increased costs in food, medical care, and accessories could lead to several outcomes for pet owners:
Financial Strain: Higher expenses may strain household budgets, particularly for families with multiple pets or those already facing financial challenges.
Delayed or Foregone Veterinary Care: Increased veterinary costs might lead some pet owners to postpone or skip essential medical treatments, potentially compromising pet health. Pet nutritionists will be in higher demand.
Rehoming or Abandonment: In extreme cases, the financial burden could force pet owners to surrender their pets to shelters, increasing the population of homeless animals.
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Industry Response and Advocacy
Recognizing these potential challenges, leaders in the pet care community have expressed growing concerns over the proposed tariffs. In particular, organizations such as the Pet Advocacy Network and the American Pet Products Association have emphasized the far-reaching consequences these tariffs could have. Not only could they weaken manufacturers’ competitiveness, but they could also disrupt the broader pet care industry. As a result, these organizations strongly advocate for collaborative solutions that take into account the needs of small businesses, employees, and pet owners, ensuring that no group is disproportionately affected.
Although the goal of imposing tariffs is to protect and promote domestic industries, the reality is far more complex due to the deeply interconnected nature of the global economy. In many cases, such measures come with unintended consequences that ripple across various sectors. Specifically, in the pet care industry, proposed tariffs could drive up costs in multiple areas, including pet food, medical supplies, and accessories. Consequently, these financial burdens would ultimately fall on pet owners, making essential pet care more expensive. As this situation continues to develop, it becomes increasingly important for policymakers to thoroughly assess these potential impacts. By doing so, they can work toward balanced solutions that not only support economic interests but also protect the well-being of pets and their owners.
Global Markets and Our Food System
“Global markets intricately shape our food system.. This includes products not grown in the United States like bananas or seasonal items, which helps keep prices down while providing American shoppers year-round access to safe, nutritious food,” Leslie Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of The Food Industry Association, said Wednesday in a statement.
The Petworks Team Will Help Ease The Pain of Tariffs on Parents
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
The Pet Care Industry’s Global Supply Chain
Rising Veterinary Care Expenses
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