Pet prices hit record highs in January 2026, with total petflation rising 0.3% from December and reaching 3.4% year over year, according to John Gibbons, president, Pet Business Professor.
"January prices reached record highs for the National CPI, total pet and all pet segments but supplies," Gibbons said.
Pet supplies were the exception, falling 1.0% from December, though Gibbons noted supply prices remain within 1% of their December record. Pet food prices rose 0.8% from December and 1.4% year over year — a significant swing from the -1.1% rate reported last month. Veterinary services continued to lead all segments in year-over-year inflation at 7.4%, followed by pet services at 5.7%.
Despite the monthly price increases across most segments, year-over-year inflation rates fell for both the national CPI and total pet compared to December. Gibbons attributed the decline to the fact that prices rose more sharply in January 2025 than in January 2024, making the current year-over-year comparison less dramatic.
Total petflation of 3.4% remains 42% above the national CPI rate of 2.4% and 70% above the 2024–2025 rate. Pet prices are now 33.0% above 2019 pre-pandemic levels and 27.6% above 2021 levels.
Gibbons noted that the January figures also serve as year-to-date numbers, as the first month of the year doubles as the YTD baseline. He said cumulative inflation continues to be a key factor for the pet industry, with product segments facing the greatest consumer pressure in purchase frequency and brand loyalty, particularly as demand for online purchasing and private label options grows.
