Amanda Seyfried Wants Pet Parents to Feel Financially Empowered

Actress Amanda Seyfried has been a pet owner for nearly two decades, beginning with her late cat Spiff, whom she adopted when she first moved out to Los Angeles. Today, Seyfried is the proud owner of an Australian shepherd named Finn and runs a rescue farm. And while the actress loves to talk about the nearly 40 animals under her care, Seyfried is determined to use her platform to spread awareness of the high costs of pet ownership.

We talked to Seyfried about the costs of pet ownership and her new partnership with Synchrony.

Amanda's Passion for Animals

Seyfried is among the 35% of American households who own more than one pet, and in fact, she runs a farm! As of October 2024, Seyfried's farm is home to around 35 animals, roosters and all. And it's a time-consuming endeavor.

"I only really have three people altogether working the farm: me, my main caretaker, and somebody who helps out on Wednesdays," Seyfried says. "It's a dream, though. I love it."

Amanda's farm isn't just any farm. It's a sanctuary for farm animals who need rescuing from their current situation. It's also the perfect place for an educational field trip.

"People come from all over to see these animals," Seyfried says. "It's like a free tour. It teaches kids how to touch [the animals] and how to behave around them: how to be responsible and how to protect them and how to be gentle. Babies from everywhere come and get to meet ponies!"

While Seyfried considers herself comfortable financially, her passion project costs a lot.

"It's a rescue, so you need a lot of money," Seyfried says. "I'm trying to offset costs. You've gotta care, though, you know what I mean? The whole reason I have my farm is because I always wanted one and because I was able to to slowly develop it over time."

The Financial Hurdles of Pet Parenthood

Whether you're deciding to adopt a pet or start a farm, dwelling on expenses is no one's favorite part. But buying routine essentials like cat litter or paying for essential wellness costs like a puppy's first round of vaccines, your pet is a years-long investment, and budgeting for their expenses is essential. And that includes accounting for emergencies, however futile that may seem at times.

"In my experience, the costs are insane and unpredictable," Seyfried says. "If you have a pet, anything can happen at any time: weird sicknesses, weird emergency room events—because they are events—and there's always a giant bill at the end."

That's the tough part: Seyfried, sister to a veterinary technician, also understands the importance of compensating veterinary professionals for their often life-saving work.

"The bill is essential," Seyfried adds. "You need to pay these people. They're doing everything they can. But it doesn't take away from the fact that it's too much, and most people can't afford it. I'm so grateful for where I am in my life that I don't even have to worry about it, but I think about it constantly every time I check out the fact that most people can't afford this stuff."

Amanda Partners With Synchrony CareCredit

One way Seyfried hopes to help pet parents handle the unpredictable costs of pet parenthood is by partnering with Synchrony. Pet parents with a CareCredit health and wellness card and Pets Best pet insurance can now enjoy a streamlined payment process when handling their furry friend's expenses at the vet.

Here's how it works:

1. Bring your pet in for treatment at a vet office that accepts CareCredit
2. Pay with your CareCredit health and wellness credit card.
3. File a claim with Pets Best Insurance.
4. Once your claim is processed, receive an automatic reimbursement credit for eligible expenses directly to your CareCredit credit card.

"It's genius, and I support it 100%," Seyfried says of the partnership. "I think it's going to help a lot of pets and people make better decisions or not have to make a decision: you choose your pet and your wallet."