BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – As the cost of pet ownership continues to rise across the country, a new report highlights Beckley as one of the most affordable cities for pet parents.
Rover.com’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report for 2025 ranks Beckley among the top 10 least expensive cities for pet care, offering relief to residents facing increasing financial pressures.
According to the report, pet costs are surging nationwide, with dog owners expected to see expenses rise by up to 7% this year and cat owners facing a 10% increase.
The lifetime cost of care for a 10-year-old dog now averages around $35,000, while a 16-year-old cat’s lifetime expenses reach approximately $32,000.
Factors contributing to rising costs include inflation and newly enacted tariffs, which have driven up prices for pet supplies and services.
Veterinary fees are expected to increase by 11%, while pet cleaning supplies have surged by 183%. Grooming costs are up 20%, and treats and chews now cost 85% more than in previous years.
Despite these trends, Beckley remains an affordable place for pet parents, with lower costs for essential services like veterinary care, pet boarding, and licensing fees.
The city ranks alongside others such as Parsons, Kansas; Lawton, Oklahoma; and Dayton, Ohio, in providing budget-friendly pet care options.
“While the financial responsibilities of pet ownership can be overwhelming, the love and companionship they provide are priceless,” said Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a Rover Pet People Panelist and veterinarian.
She advises pet parents to budget for expenses, seek affordable care options, and prioritize preventative health measures to manage costs.
The report also reveals that 69% of pet parents spend the majority of their pet budgets on food and treats, while 33% have cut back in other areas of life—such as groceries and entertainment—to afford pet-related costs.
Additionally, one in four pet owners have switched to more affordable pet food or care services.
The top 10 most affordable cities for pet parents are: Parsons, KS Lawton, OK Anniston, AL Springfield, MO Tupelo, MS Evansville, IN Jonesboro, AR McAllen, TX Beckley, WV Dayton, OH.
The 10 least affordable cities for pet parents are: Manhattan, NY San Francisco, CA Greenwich, CT Seattle, WA Honolulu, HI Bethesda, MD Anchorage, AK Boston, MA Portland, ME Hoboken, NJ.
