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

Older adults are reporting stronger emotional benefits from pets than they did seven years ago, but many are also feeling more financial pressure. A new University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 55% of U.S. adults age 50 and older have a pet, and 83% of those pet parents say their animal gives them a sense of purpose, up from 73% in 2018. At the same time, 31% said having a pet strains their budget, nearly double the 18% reported in 2018. The February 2026 findings come from a nationally representative survey of 2,698 adults ages 50 to 95, conducted in September 2025 by NORC for the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. (ihpi.umich.edu)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the poll adds fresh evidence that pets are deeply tied to healthy aging, daily routine, stress reduction, and social connection for older clients, even as affordability becomes a bigger barrier to care. The budget strain was more common among women, people with household incomes under $60,000, those reporting fair or poor physical or mental health, and those with disabilities limiting daily activity. That matters in exam rooms, because separate 2026 PetSmart Charities-Gallup data found 94% of veterinarians say clients’ finances limit recommended care at least sometimes, while many pet parents say they aren’t offered lower-cost options or payment plans. (ihpi.umich.edu)

What to watch: Expect more attention on spectrum-of-care protocols, payment discussions, and preventive care planning for older pet parents as practices respond to widening affordability gaps. (gallup.com)