Pet ownership in the United States has long been a cherished experience, but in recent years, the financial burden of taking care of furry companions has significantly increased. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent a staggering $147 billion on their pets in 2023, and now Congress is stepping in to explore ways to help alleviate the strain.

One proposal gaining bipartisan attention is a bill that would allow pet owners to use tax-advantaged savings accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), to cover veterinary fees and pet insurance. This initiative, dubbed the PAWS Act (Pets Are Worth Saving), could offer pet parents the opportunity to ease the financial burden of caring for their pets.

Pet Ownership Costs on the Rise

The rising cost of pet ownership is a reality for millions of families across the country. According to Statista, millennials now make up **33%** of pet owners, the largest generational group in the U.S., and they treat their pets as family. In fact, **82%** of millennials surveyed see their pets as children, reinforcing the idea that pet care is not an area where they can easily cut corners.

Inflation and Rising Veterinary Costs

The cost of veterinary services in urban areas alone has jumped by **7.6%** between August 2023 and August 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase is attributed to several factors, including supply chain issues and inflation. As Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst for LendingTree, explained, "A lot of it is just coming down to inflation, where the cost of everything has gone up in the last couple of years, and pet care is certainly no exception."

Experts also point to shortages of veterinary professionals and the rising demand for advanced treatments as key drivers of these costs. Many veterinary companies have also cited the tight labor market and increasing need for specialized care as contributing factors.

Adding to these challenges, there is growing scrutiny from competition regulators, who are examining whether the rise of corporate ownership of veterinary practices, particularly those backed by private equity firms, has exacerbated the rising prices.

The PAWS Act: A Potential Lifeline for Pet Owners

In response to these growing concerns, Congress is considering a bipartisan bill that could provide significant financial relief for pet owners. The proposed PAWS Act would allow individuals to use their HSAs or FSAs to pay up to $1,000 annually for veterinary care or pet insurance. This could be a game-changer for many families, especially since veterinary emergencies often come with hefty price tags.

Financial Relief on the Horizon

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans already report having an HSA or FSA, according to a 2023 Global Market Research report, and the PAWS Act could extend these benefits to the growing number of pet parents who consider their animals part of the family.

As pet care costs continue to rise, legislation like the PAWS Act offers a promising solution to help Americans manage the financial challenges of veterinary care while ensuring their beloved pets receive the attention they need. With pet owners already facing steep expenses, this bill could provide the relief many have been hoping for.

The Bottom Line

As inflation and other factors push pet care costs higher, many Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford quality veterinary care. The proposed PAWS Act could offer a much-needed financial cushion, helping families keep up with their pets' medical needs without the stress of falling into debt. By allowing the use of tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and FSAs for pet care, Congress may soon offer pet owners across the country a way to better manage the ever-growing expenses of pet ownership.