Rising costs are making it harder for people to afford pets

While the consequences of inflation may be obvious at the grocery store or gas pump, there’s another aspect of rising costs that people may not realize: man’s best friend. Pets are increasingly becoming harder for people to afford, according to recent reports. As a result, animal shelters across the U.S. are filling up. But experts say pet insurance may offer a lifeline for Americans who want a furry friend but are struggling with the cost.

Why are pets becoming harder to afford?

There are a variety of factors, but it mostly comes down to the everyday cost of products for the animal as well as veterinary care. If you “go into having a pet and don’t give serious thought about the cost, you’re doing yourself and your pet a disservice,” Matt Schulz, the chief consumer finance analyst at L