Older adults lean on pets, even as care costs bite harder

Older adults are reporting stronger emotional benefits from pets, but more of them are also feeling the financial pressure of keeping those animals healthy. A new University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, based on a national survey of U.S. adults ages 50 to 95 conducted in September 2025, found that 83% of pet parents age 50 and older say their pets give them a sense of purpose, up from 73% in 2018. At the same time, 31% said having a pet strains their budget, compared with 18% in 2018. The poll also found 70% said pets connect them with others, 71% said pets help them enjoy life, and 63% said pets reduce stress. (ihpi.umich.edu)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the findings add to a broader affordability story already showing up in exam rooms. PetSmart Charities-Gallup data released in January 2026 found 94% of veterinarians say clients’ finances sometimes or often limit recommended care, while nearly half said their education did not prepare them at all for conversations about cost. Another Gallup release found 73% of pet parents who declined care due to affordability said they were not offered a more financially accessible option. For practices serving older adults, that makes clear communication, preventive planning, and discussion of payment or lower-cost pathways increasingly important to keeping pets with the people who depend on them. (gallup.com)

What to watch: Expect more attention on access-to-care models, payment flexibility, and community support programs aimed at helping older pet parents stay connected to veterinary care. (gallup.com)