#Japan #pet food #Pet Care #Koto #iPet Insurance

Pet Spending Survey 2026: Understanding the Financial Impact on Pet Owners

In a recent survey conducted by iPet Insurance Inc., based in Koto, Tokyo, insights into pet owners' spending habits for 2025 have been unveiled. Targeting 1,000 pet owners of both dogs and cats, the survey addresses crucial financial challenges amidst rising costs associated with pet care.

Key Findings

The survey reveals that over 70% of pet owners are feeling the pinch of increased prices, particularly in areas critical to pet care expenses. Approximately 40% of respondents indicated that food and treat prices have experienced the most significant hike.

Expenditure Trends

When assessing annual spending, 48.3% of respondents shared that their expenditures fell between ¥10,000 to ¥100,000. Interestingly, dog owners reported 56.4% spending over ¥100,000, whereas cat owners predominantly, 60%, spent within the ¥10,000 to ¥100,000 range, illustrating a noticeable disparity in expenses based on the pet type.

This trend aligns with the overarching sentiment where 74.9% acknowledged the impact of rising prices on their overall expenses, indicating a substantial strain on household finances. The standout among the pet-related expenditure categories is the cost of food and treats, with 43.9% of respondents claiming they noticed significant price increases.

Discerning Expenditures

iPet's survey indicates that among pet-related costs, food and treats constitute the largest expenditure, accounting for almost 40%. Following closely is the cost of medical treatment for illnesses and injuries. For cat owners, the proportion for food and treats exceeds 50%, while for pets aged ten and above, medical expenses nearly double in significance.

Lack of Inflation Mitigation Strategies

Adding to the worrying trend, around 70% of the surveyed pet owners admitted they are not implementing measures to cope with inflation. This sentiment is even more pronounced among owners of pets aged ten and older, where 73.5% reported no strategies in place, highlighting the actions of senior pet owners that prioritize long-term favorites and essential health-related expenses.

Personal Expenditure Adjustments

In a bid to allocate sufficient funds for their pets, 57.7% of pet owners have reassessed their personal spending. Notable changes include trimming down on dining out (26.7%) and reducing grocery expenses by cooking at home (21.0%).

Non-Negotiables in Pet Expenses

Despite inflation, pet owners display staunch loyalty to specific expenditures, with 64.7% refusing to substitute certain items. Notably, 47.8% revealed they would not compromise on their pets' food, indicating its vital role in maintaining the health and quality of life for their furry companions. Other significant items include treats (24.7%) and litter supplies (18.7%), which serve direct welfare purposes.

Additionally, interest in pet insurance remains evident, with 12.9% of respondents unwilling to forego that financial backup. This indicates a preference among owners to safeguard their pets’ health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

As illustrated by the recent findings, even amidst increasing living costs, pet owners are committed to maintaining their pets' quality of life, prioritizing expenditures, especially on food and healthcare. However, the rising costs have narrowed financial margins, complicating the ability to address any unexpected medical expenses. iPet Insurance pledges to support pet owners in providing the best care for their beloved pets, ensuring peace of mind despite financial uncertainty.

Previous Surveys: For further insights, check previous pet spending survey results from 2025.

About the Survey: This survey was conducted between February 3 and February 8, 2026, targeting dog and cat owners across Japan, facilitated through an online questionnaire.