Study: Most pet owners underestimate lifetime care costs

Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. pet owners underestimate the true cost of caring for their animals, according to Synchrony's newly released 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study. The report showed lifetime care costs have increased since 2022 — up 11.65% for dogs and 19.4% for cats — reflecting growing investment in veterinary care, wellness products and technology.