Pets come first? Majority of owners would trim lifestyle costs for pets

Sixty-five percent of pet owners would make budget cuts to their own lifestyle before disrupting their pet’s, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners found that they spare no expense when it comes to their furry friends, splurging on high-quality food (66%), new toys (40%) and grooming sessions (24%). Conducted by Talker Research for MetLife Pet Insurance, the annual survey found that you can’t put a price on these pets’ love: 85% said their pet has been their main source of happiness throughout 2025. Thinking back on the year, pet parents recall their companion being around through tough times like financial struggles (31%), mental health challenges (30%) and losing a loved one (24%).