Pressmaster/Envato Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Many Americans know that caring for a pet isn't cheap, but just how expensive it is can still be surprising to some. A 2025 survey commissioned by MetLife found 1 in 7 (15%) of U.S. pet owners experience “pet poverty,” struggling to pay for both their own basic needs and pet care (1). Furthermore, 1 in 5 (22%) carry at least $2,000 in pet-related debt. Must Read The figures come after ...