The United States has 393.3 million pets more than people of USA . Now, 66% of U.S. homes have pets, up from 56% in 1988. People spend $136.8 billion a year on pets, and this number will grow to $358.62 billion by 2027.
Dogs and cats are still the top pets but there are also fish, birds, small mammals and even exotic reptiles as pets. This shows how the pet world is always changing.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. pet industry has grown 450% over the past 25 years, driven by new technologies, premium pet foods, and increased pet adoption rates.
- Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but fish, birds, and small mammals are also common household companions.
- Pet ownership is highest in rural areas, with 71% of rural Americans owning pets, compared to 62% in suburban and 53% in urban areas.
- The French Bulldog has become the most popular dog breed in the U.S., while the Javanese and Sphynx are among the most sought-after cat breeds.
- The cost of owning a dog over its lifetime can range from $15,000 to $93,000, highlighting the financial commitment pet ownership requires.
Current State of Pet Ownership in America
In the United States, there are about 393.3 million pets. Over 86.9 million homes, or 66% of U.S. homes, have pets. This is up from 56% in 1988. Many people got pets during the COVID-19 pandemic for company and comfort.
Pet Population Overview
Dogs and cats are the top pets, with about 85 million dogs and 60 million cats. The French Bulldog is very popular, and the U.S. has the most dogs in the world. There’s also a 13% rise in owning “other” pets like reptiles and small mammals over five years.
Demographics of Pet Owners
Millennials own the most pets, making up 32% of all pet owners. Baby boomers own 27%, Gen X owns 24%, and Gen Z owns 14%. 82% of millennial pet owners see their pets as children. More people in rural areas own pets than in cities or suburbs.
Pet Ownership Growth Trends
The pet industry has grown a lot, with spending up 115% since 2011. It’s expected to keep growing, reaching $358.62 billion by 2027. More pets are being adopted, and there’s a rise in special pet products and services.
| Pet Ownership Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Households with Pets | 86.9 million (66% of U.S. households) |
| Annual Pet Industry Spending | $103.6 billion |
| Pet Industry Growth Since 2011 | 115% |
| Yearly Animal Shelter Adoptions | 4.1 million |
| Millennial Pet Owners | 32% of all pet owners |
“The pet industry is expected to reach $358.62 billion by 2027, reflecting the growing demand for pet ownership and the increasing investment in pet care and products.”
Dogs: America’s Most Popular Pet Choice
Dogs are the favorite pets in the United States. Over half of millennial pet owners love them. The Labrador Retriever is now the most popular dog, beating the Chihuahua.
Names like Bella, Luna, and Charlie are very common. Places like Florida and New York have their own favorites, like Zoey and Teddy/Leo.
Labradors are followed by Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and German Shepherds. Pitbulls, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus are also popular. Poodles, Dachshunds, and French Bulldogs complete the top 10.
These dogs are loved for their unique personalities. From the sassy Chihuahua to the smart German Shepherd.
People spend about $1,533 a year on their dogs. This money goes to food, grooming, and healthcare. It shows how much owners love their dogs.
Over one-third of dog owners adopted their pets from shelters. This shows more people are choosing to adopt responsibly.
| Breed | Popularity | Distinguishing Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Most Popular | Happy, affectionate, and ideal for families |
| Chihuahua | Second Most Popular | Small size, sassiness, and easy to transport |
| Yorkie | Third Most Popular | Cute, intelligent, hypoallergenic, and non-shedding |
| German Shepherd | Fourth Most Popular | Versatile, warm-hearted, and excel in various roles |
| French Bulldog | Fifth Most Popular | Adaptable and popular in the US |
The pet grooming industry is growing fast. It’s expected to reach $14.46 billion by 2025.
Cats: The Second Most Common Companion
Cats are very popular pets in the United States, after dogs. In 2024, the US, China, and Russia have the most cat owners. About 46.5 million US homes have a cat.
Vermont has the most cat owners, with 44.6% of homes having a cat. Millennials are the biggest group of pet owners, making up 33%.
Popular Cat Breeds in 2024
Some cat breeds are more popular than others. The Ashera is the most expensive, costing up to $125,000. Other popular breeds are the Maine Coon, Persian, and Siamese.
Cat Ownership Statistics
Interesting facts about cat owners. 39% of homeowners have cats. 29% of renters also have cats.
43% of cat owners buy their cats from pet stores. 40% adopt from shelters or rescues. In 2023, 3 million cats went to shelters, and 6 million found new homes.
Cost of Cat Ownership
Having a cat costs money. Initial care costs range from $314 to $755. Annual care costs are $961 to $2,487.
The biggest cost is food, with owners spending $310 a year. Pet insurance for cats costs $30 a month. Gen Z is more likely to buy it than Baby Boomers. Yet, 38% of owners didn’t think they could afford pet care.
“Cats have a way of walking into our lives and making themselves at home. Their independent spirit and affectionate nature make them beloved companions for millions of households across the nation.”
Fish: The Low-Maintenance Pet Option
Fish are great pets for small homes. About 2.7% of American homes have fish. The pet market gets a big boost from fish products like tanks and food.
Freshwater fish are loved by 11.1 million U.S. homes. They add color and calm to any space. Watching them can be very soothing, especially in schools.
In 2024, the best pets for classrooms were fish, moss, and small animals. Moss balls need little care and are safe for allergies. Betta fish are easy to care for and look beautiful, even in small spaces.
Guinea pigs are popular for their friendly nature. They teach kids about caring for others and social skills. Hermit crabs are interesting to learn about and don’t trigger allergies.
Fish are a calm and educational choice for homes or classrooms. They need special care, making them unique in the pet world.
| Household Pet | Number of U.S. Households (in millions) |
|---|---|
| Dogs | 65.1 |
| Cats | 46.5 |
| Freshwater Fish | 11.1 |
| Small Animals | 6.7 |
| Birds | 6.1 |
| Reptiles | 6.0 |
| Horses | 2.2 |
| Saltwater Fish | 2.2 |
About 66% of U.S. homes have pets, that’s 87 million homes. Dogs are the most common, with 65.1 million homes having one. Cats are second, with 46.5 million homes having a cat.
Small animals like hamsters and rabbits live in 6.7 million homes. Birds and reptiles are in 6.1 million and 6 million homes, respectively. Saltwater fish brighten up 2.2 million homes.
Top Selling Pets in USA in 2024
The pet industry in the United States is growing fast. It’s filled with many different kinds of pets. About 70% of homes in the US have pets, which is almost 90.5 million homes.
Millennials, or people born between 1981 and 1996, make up 33% of pet owners. This shows how young people are changing the pet market.
Market Share Analysis
Dogs and cats are still the most popular pets, with Americans spending $136.8 billion on them in 2022. But, other pets are also growing in popularity.
The US pet market made $76.80 billion in 2023. It’s the biggest in North America. It’s expected to grow by 5.06% each year, reaching $98.30 billion by 2028. Millennials are helping this growth happen.
Sales Volume Data
The US has a lot of different pets. There are about 6 million homes with reptiles, 494,000 with cows, and 670,000 with bearded dragons. Also, 1.5 million homes have hamsters or rabbits.
The exotic animal pet market is worth $3.6 billion. This shows more people want special pets.
Growth Projections
The pet industry is looking good for the future. Companies like Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) made $1.57 billion in profits in the second quarter of 2023. FreshPet, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) wants to make $1.8 billion in net sales by 2027.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says animal care jobs will grow by 29% from 2021 to 2031. This will help the industry grow even more.
Best Food For Your Pet BUY NOW
Birds as Household Companions
Birds are special pets in American homes. They bring joy with their bright colors, songs, and fun actions. Now, 6.1 million U.S. homes have pet birds, a 7% jump in five years.
The bird pet market has many products. This includes food, safe cages, toys, and health care items. The U.S. bird food market is worth $3.01 billion in 2023 and will grow to $3.93 billion by 2033.
More people are buying pets online, up by over 20% from 2020 to 2022. Before the pandemic, 60% of pet owners bought in stores. Now, 46% prefer online shopping and home delivery.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated USA Bird Food Market Size in 2023 | US$ 3,011.0 million |
| Projected Market Valuation in 2033 | US$ 3,931.1 million |
| Value-based Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2033 | 2.5% |
| USA Bird Food Market Share in the global pet food market | 20% to 25% |
| Percentage increase in online pet purchases from 2020 to 2022 | Over 20% |
| Percentage of pet owners who made in-person purchases at brick-and-mortar businesses before the pandemic | Around 60% |
| Percentage of pet owners who made in-person purchases during the pandemic | 41% |
| Percentage of pet owners who prefer online orders and home delivery | 46% |
| Revenue share of the sunflower seeds/hearts segment in the bird food market in 2022 | Over 33.1% |
| Contribution of the under US$ 15 price range segment to the USA bird food market revenue in 2022 | Over 35% |
| Revenue share of the indirect sales channel in the USA bird food market in 2022 | Over 73.4% |
More people are interested in pet birds. Websites like MyBird.org get 500,000 visitors a year and have over 10,000 email subscribers. National Pet Bird Day on September 17th also brings bird lovers together.
Birds are now a big part of American homes. They add color, song, and fun to our lives.
“Birds are the most colorful and energetic companions you can have in your home. Their joyful songs and playful antics bring so much life and laughter to our daily lives.”
– *Emily Wilkins, Avian Enthusiast*
Small Mammals and Pocket Pets
Small pets, or “pocket pets,” are getting more popular in America. These tiny friends, like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, are easy to care for. They are perfect for people living in cities or apartments.
In 2024, pets like Sugar Gliders, Small Rodents, Hedgehogs, Chinchillas, and Guinea Pigs were top sellers in the USA. This shows a big demand for these small animals.
Hamsters and Gerbils
Hamsters are loved for their cute looks and fun behavior. Female hamsters are usually nicer and less likely to bite than males. Gerbils are also fun pets but need a bit more care than hamsters.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social and don’t need much attention, making them great pets. But, many guinea pigs end up in shelters because of bad ownership. In 2021, NYC shelters got 709 guinea pigs, and in 2022, over 750.
Shelters in places like California, Massachusetts, and the UK are seeing more guinea pigs.
Rabbits
Rabbits are loved for their sweet nature and soft fur. They need more space and special care but are rewarding pets. Their popularity shows that many small animals have become beloved pets in America.
| Pocket Pet | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Sugar Gliders | Require to be housed in groups to prevent depression and undesirable behaviors. |
| Hedgehogs | Require a large cage of at least 20 gallons, emphasizing the spatial requirements for certain pocket pets. |
| Chinchillas | Are group animals, underscoring the necessity of companionship for their well-being. |
| Guinea Pigs | 61% of the surrendered guinea pigs whose owners disclosed the source came from pet stores. |
“Shelters in several locations have reported increased intakes of guinea pigs, including California, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Ohio, Connecticut, Colorado, Hawai’i, and the United Kingdom.”
The love for small pets is growing in America. As these pets win hearts across the country, the need for good care and products will grow too.
Reptiles and Exotic Pets
The world of exotic pets is growing fast. Reptiles and other unique pets are catching the eye of many in the US. The exotic pet market in the US is huge, worth over $15 billion. About half of all pets in the US are exotic.
In 2012, there were 29 million exotic pets in the US. The global wildlife trade is worth between $30.6–$42.8 billion.
Snakes and lizards are very popular pets in the USA. Ball pythons, corn snakes, and bearded dragons are favorites. They are loved for their unique looks and easy care. Tortoises, skinks, and leopard geckos are also becoming more popular.
The exotic pet trade has brought in non-native and invasive species worldwide. It also raises big concerns for the environment and health. Taking care of exotic pets needs special knowledge and care. This makes it a unique part of the pet world.
Despite the challenges, exotic pets still attract many fans. People love their unique looks and personalities. From snakes’ bright colors to lizards’ calm nature, exotic pets offer a wide range of choices. They are for those ready to care for them properly.
“The exotic pet trade has led to the establishment of several non-native and invasive species globally, and the legal and illegal trade of wildlife continues to pose significant environmental and public health concerns.”
Pet Industry Economic Impact
The pet industry is huge, with Americans spending $303 billion in 2023. This is a 16% jump from the year before. Pet care sales are growing faster than any other type of product. Experts think the industry will grow by nearly 3% in 2024.
Pet owners love their pets a lot. In fact, 98% see their pets as family. Many say pets make them feel better mentally and personally. Even though fewer people own pets, the industry is still growing fast.
But, the industry faces some tough times. More people might spend less on pets in the future. Also, people are buying less expensive pet food. Yet, some pet products are still selling well.
Still, the pet industry is a good place to invest. Pet insurance is growing fast, with more pets covered. Companies that allow pets are more likely to keep their employees happy.
The pet industry is changing, and smart businesses are ready. They focus on what pet owners want and need. This way, they can keep growing and doing well in the future.
Pet Care Services and Products
The pet care industry is booming. It offers many services and products for pets in America. This includes top-notch pet grooming, advanced pet healthcare, cool pet accessories, and new pet food trends.
The grooming industry is set to hit $14.46 billion by 2025. This shows how much Americans care about their pets’ looks and health. Veterinary care and products are also big, with $31.4 billion spent yearly.
Pet food is changing, with more people choosing premium and organic options. The organic pet food market is worth $22.8 billion. Pet tech is also growing fast, with gadgets that help us care for our pets.
CBD products for pets are becoming popular, with one-third of owners buying them. As pet owners look for new ways to care for their pets, the industry will keep growing.
| Segment | Market Size and Growth |
|---|---|
| Pet Grooming | $14.46 billion by 2025 |
| Veterinary Care and Products | $31.4 billion in annual spending |
| Organic Pet Food | $22.8 billion industry |
| Pet Technology | Wearables and smart devices, rapidly growing sector |
| CBD Products for Pets | One-third of pet owners have purchased |
The pet care industry is set to grow even more. This is because more people want pets, and they want the best for them. With new products and services, the future looks bright for pets and their owners.
Pet Adoption Trends and Statistics
In the United States, pet adoption has changed a lot lately. Every year, about 4.1 million animals are adopted from shelters. This means 23% of dogs and 31% of cats find new homes this way.
Many dog owners say they got their pets from shelters. This shows the #adoptdontshop movement is getting more popular. It has over 50 million posts on Instagram.
Online pet adoption platforms have also helped a lot. They make it easier for people to find pets to adopt. This helps more pets find homes.
Shelter Adoption Rates
Adoption rates for shelter pets are going up. In 2023, 56% of dogs in shelters were adopted. This is a 5% drop from 2019. For cats, 65% were adopted, a 6% increase from 2019.
Breed-Specific Adoption Trends
Some dog and cat breeds are more common in shelters. This is often because of bad stereotypes and too much breeding. Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers, and Chihuahuas are often seen in shelters.
Black cats have it tough too. They face higher euthanasia rates (74%) and lower adoption rates (10%) because of old beliefs.
Impact of Online Adoption Platforms
Online pet adoption platforms have changed the game. They make it easy for people to find pets to adopt. This has helped more pets find homes.
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs Adopted | 2,200,000 | 2,091,000 | 2,308,000 |
| Cats Adopted | 2,600,000 | 2,566,000 | 2,281,000 |
| Dog Euthanasias | 359,000 | 347,000 | 377,000 |
| Cat Euthanasias | 330,000 | 318,000 | 345,000 |
| No-Kill Shelters | 57% | 52% | 24% |
Conclusion
The pet industry in the USA is growing fast. More than half of all homes have pets. It’s expected to reach $358.62 billion by 2027.
People are spending more on premium pet foods and new tech for pets. Millennials, who love their pets, are driving this growth. They spend $1,885 a year on their pets.
Pet ownership is on the rise, especially among Gen Z and millennials. They see pets as friends, not just pets. But, it can be expensive. Many struggle to pay for their pets’ needs.
The industry is coming up with new solutions. Things like biodegradable poop bags and pet insurance are helping.
The future of the pet industry looks bright. It will keep growing and offering new products and services. With a focus on sustainability and meeting pet owners’ needs, it’s ready for the future.
Best Food For Your Pet BUY NOW
FAQ
What are the most popular pets in the USA in 2024?
In 2024, the top pets in the USA are dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small mammals. These include hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Dogs and cats are still the favorites in American homes.
What is the current state of pet ownership in America?
In the USA, pets are very common, with more pets than people. About 66% of homes have a pet, up from 56% in 1988. The pet industry is booming, expected to hit 8.62 billion by 2027.
How popular are dogs as pets in the USA?
Dogs are the most loved pets in America. Over half of millennials have dogs. People spend about
FAQ
What are the most popular pets in the USA in 2024?
In 2024, the top pets in the USA are dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small mammals. These include hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Dogs and cats are still the favorites in American homes.
What is the current state of pet ownership in America?
In the USA, pets are very common, with more pets than people. About 66% of homes have a pet, up from 56% in 1988. The pet industry is booming, expected to hit $358.62 billion by 2027.
How popular are dogs as pets in the USA?
Dogs are the most loved pets in America. Over half of millennials have dogs. People spend about $1,533 a year on their dogs.
Premium dog food is a hit, with 41% of owners buying it. Also, over one-third of dog owners adopted their pets from shelters.
What is the status of cat ownership in the USA?
Cats are the second favorite pet in the US. They cost owners about $1,499 a year. 31% of cats come from shelters.
Cat owners are more common on the West Coast, with 39% of homes having cats. The organic pet food market caters to both dog and cat owners.
How popular are fish as pets in the USA?
About 2.7% of American homes have fish as pets. Fish are great for small spaces. The market for fish products adds a lot to the pet industry.
What is the overall size and growth of the pet industry in the USA?
The pet industry in the USA is growing fast, expected to hit $358.62 billion by 2027. Dogs and cats lead the market, but other pets are growing too. The pet food market has over 630 brands and 22,000 SKUs.
Pet technology, like wearables, is also booming. It’s expected to make $4.6 billion by 2027.
What is the status of bird ownership as pets in the USA?
Birds are among the top 10 pets in the USA. They are great companions for many homes. The bird market includes special foods, cages, toys, and healthcare.
How popular are small mammals and pocket pets in the USA?
Small mammals and pocket pets are getting more popular, especially in cities. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are favorites. They need special care products, making the market worth $3.6 billion.
What is the status of reptiles and exotic pets in the USA?
Reptiles and exotic pets are becoming more popular. Snakes and lizards are among the top 10 pets. The market for these pets is worth $3.6 billion, with special habitats and food.
What is the impact of pet adoption trends in the USA?
Pet adoption is on the rise, with 4.1 million animals adopted each year. 23% of dogs and 31% of cats come from shelters. The #adoptdontshop movement is big on social media, with over 50 million posts on Instagram.
Online adoption platforms help find homes for pets, boosting shelter adoptions.
,533 a year on their dogs.
Premium dog food is a hit, with 41% of owners buying it. Also, over one-third of dog owners adopted their pets from shelters.
What is the status of cat ownership in the USA?
Cats are the second favorite pet in the US. They cost owners about
FAQ
What are the most popular pets in the USA in 2024?
In 2024, the top pets in the USA are dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small mammals. These include hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Dogs and cats are still the favorites in American homes.
What is the current state of pet ownership in America?
In the USA, pets are very common, with more pets than people. About 66% of homes have a pet, up from 56% in 1988. The pet industry is booming, expected to hit $358.62 billion by 2027.
How popular are dogs as pets in the USA?
Dogs are the most loved pets in America. Over half of millennials have dogs. People spend about $1,533 a year on their dogs.
Premium dog food is a hit, with 41% of owners buying it. Also, over one-third of dog owners adopted their pets from shelters.
What is the status of cat ownership in the USA?
Cats are the second favorite pet in the US. They cost owners about $1,499 a year. 31% of cats come from shelters.
Cat owners are more common on the West Coast, with 39% of homes having cats. The organic pet food market caters to both dog and cat owners.
How popular are fish as pets in the USA?
About 2.7% of American homes have fish as pets. Fish are great for small spaces. The market for fish products adds a lot to the pet industry.
What is the overall size and growth of the pet industry in the USA?
The pet industry in the USA is growing fast, expected to hit $358.62 billion by 2027. Dogs and cats lead the market, but other pets are growing too. The pet food market has over 630 brands and 22,000 SKUs.
Pet technology, like wearables, is also booming. It’s expected to make $4.6 billion by 2027.
What is the status of bird ownership as pets in the USA?
Birds are among the top 10 pets in the USA. They are great companions for many homes. The bird market includes special foods, cages, toys, and healthcare.
How popular are small mammals and pocket pets in the USA?
Small mammals and pocket pets are getting more popular, especially in cities. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are favorites. They need special care products, making the market worth $3.6 billion.
What is the status of reptiles and exotic pets in the USA?
Reptiles and exotic pets are becoming more popular. Snakes and lizards are among the top 10 pets. The market for these pets is worth $3.6 billion, with special habitats and food.
What is the impact of pet adoption trends in the USA?
Pet adoption is on the rise, with 4.1 million animals adopted each year. 23% of dogs and 31% of cats come from shelters. The #adoptdontshop movement is big on social media, with over 50 million posts on Instagram.
Online adoption platforms help find homes for pets, boosting shelter adoptions.
,499 a year. 31% of cats come from shelters.
Cat owners are more common on the West Coast, with 39% of homes having cats. The organic pet food market caters to both dog and cat owners.
How popular are fish as pets in the USA?
About 2.7% of American homes have fish as pets. Fish are great for small spaces. The market for fish products adds a lot to the pet industry.
What is the overall size and growth of the pet industry in the USA?
The pet industry in the USA is growing fast, expected to hit 8.62 billion by 2027. Dogs and cats lead the market, but other pets are growing too. The pet food market has over 630 brands and 22,000 SKUs.
Pet technology, like wearables, is also booming. It’s expected to make .6 billion by 2027.
What is the status of bird ownership as pets in the USA?
Birds are among the top 10 pets in the USA. They are great companions for many homes. The bird market includes special foods, cages, toys, and healthcare.
How popular are small mammals and pocket pets in the USA?
Small mammals and pocket pets are getting more popular, especially in cities. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are favorites. They need special care products, making the market worth .6 billion.
What is the status of reptiles and exotic pets in the USA?
Reptiles and exotic pets are becoming more popular. Snakes and lizards are among the top 10 pets. The market for these pets is worth .6 billion, with special habitats and food.
What is the impact of pet adoption trends in the USA?
Pet adoption is on the rise, with 4.1 million animals adopted each year. 23% of dogs and 31% of cats come from shelters. The #adoptdontshop movement is big on social media, with over 50 million posts on Instagram.
Online adoption platforms help find homes for pets, boosting shelter adoptions.
Source Links
- 20 US Pet Ownership Statistics 2024: Updated Facts & FAQ – Dogster – https://www.dogster.com/statistics/pet-ownership-statistics
- Tail-wagging Trends: The Most Popular Pets in America | Adobe Blog – https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/04/15/ai-pet-portraits
- 75+ Amazing Pet Industry Stats (2024) – https://explodingtopics.com/blog/pet-industry-stats
- Pet Ownership Statistics By Generation, Region, Behavior And Trend – https://www.coolest-gadgets.com/pet-ownership-statistics/
- The Competition is Ruff! Here Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds (And Pet Names) of The Year, According to a New Study – https://www.firstforwomen.com/home/pets/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-2024-and-favorite-pet-names-according-to-a-new-study
- Best-Selling Puppies in the USA – Pettito – https://pettitodallas.com/best-selling-puppies-in-the-usa/
