Older adults lean on pets as care costs rise

Older adults are increasingly saying pets give them purpose, even as the cost of care is becoming harder to absorb. New findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, published February 23, 2026, show 83% of U.S. adults ages 50 to 80 who have pets say their animals give them a sense of purpose, up from 73% in 2018. At the same time, 31% say having a pet strains their budget, up from 18% seven years earlier. The nationally representative poll, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in September 2025, also found 70% of older pet parents say pets connect them with others, while 63% say pets reduce stress. (ihpi.umich.edu)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the data reinforces a familiar tension: pets are a meaningful part of healthy aging, but affordability is becoming a bigger barrier to care. The Michigan team said budget strain was more common among women, people with fair or poor physical or mental health, people with disabilities, and households earning under $60,000. That lines up with broader industry findings from PetSmart Charities and Gallup, released in January 2026, showing 94% of veterinarians say client finances sometimes or often limit recommended care, and that many clinicians feel underprepared for cost conversations. For practices serving older adults, this points to the value of clearer financial communication, spectrum-of-care options, and referral pathways to community support programs. (ihpi.umich.edu)

What to watch: Expect more attention on how practices, nonprofits, and community aging services can work together to keep older adults and their pets together without delaying needed care. (mealsonwheelsamerica.org)