Owning a pet helps people age healthily, but the cost remains a barrier

More than half of adults aged 50 and older in the United States own a pet, and most say that these animals provide many benefits in their daily lives, contributing to their physical, mental, and social well-being. However, the associated costs are becoming a growing obstacle. This is according to a national survey conducted by the University of Michigan and published on February 23.   The proportion of people aged 50 and older who own at least one pet has remained generally stable: 57% in 2025, compared to 55% in 2018. Among them, most have a dog (70%), followed by a cat (50%). Of these animal owners, 31% say they have multiple pets (for example, a dog and a cat). For animal owners, the perceived benefits remain high: 83% say their pet gives their life meaning or purpose (up from 73% in 2018), 70% say it helps them feel connected to others, 64% say it helps them feel loved, 63% say it reduces their stress, and 44% say it helps them stay physically active. However, the percentage of animal owners who feel their pet is a financial burden has risen from 18% in 2018 to 31% in 2025. Among people without pets, the percentage of those who cite financial cost as a reason for not having one has also risen sharply, from 21% to 33%. The survey also shows that certain benefits are now cited less often than in 2018. The percentage of animal owners stating that their pet helps them cope with physical or emotional symptoms has dropped from 60% to 35%; the percentage citing physical activity has fallen from 64% to 44%; and the percentage citing stress reduction has declined from 79% to 63%. Furthermore, for many older adults, pets are full-fledged members of the family. Caring for a pet can sometimes be a barrier to accessing medical care or adhering to recommended treatment plans. For example, a patient may hesitate to undergo surgery if there is no one to care for their pet during their recovery, or may worry about the pet’s well-being while they are hospitalized. It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to ask older adults if they have pets at home.   While pets remain an important source of support for people over 50—particularly by fostering social connections and giving them a sense of purpose—the associated expenses (costs related to food, care, visits to the veterinarian, veterinary care, etc.) may deprive many older adults of the benefits of having a pet. Removing these barriers can be an effective way to promote healthy aging.