Older adults lean on pets as purpose grows, but costs bite harder

A new University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging suggests pets remain deeply important to older adults, even as affordability pressures intensify. In a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults age 50 to 95 fielded in September 2025, 83% of pet parents age 50 to 80 said their pets give them a sense of purpose, up from 73% in 2018. But 31% said having a pet strains their budget, up from 18% in 2018, and 33% of older adults without pets cited cost as a reason, versus 21% in 2018. Overall pet ownership was relatively stable, at 57% in 2025 versus 55% in 2018. (ihpi.umich.edu)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the poll adds fresh evidence that older clients may be highly motivated to preserve the human-animal bond, but increasingly constrained by cost. That tension mirrors broader access-to-care data: PetSmart Charities and Gallup reported in January 2026 that 94% of veterinarians say clients’ financial considerations sometimes or often limit recommended care, and only about half say they often or always use a spectrum-of-care framework. For practices serving older adults, that raises the stakes for proactive cost conversations, phased treatment plans, and support resources before financial strain turns into delayed care, surrender, or crisis decision-making. (petsmartcharities.org)

What to watch: Expect more attention on affordability tools, including spectrum-of-care models, preventive planning, and community assistance programs aimed at helping older pet parents stay attached to their animals while keeping care accessible. (petsmartcharities.org)