In 2023, 66% of U.S. homes, or about 87 million, have a pet. Americans love their pets more than ever, but dogs and cats are still top choices. Dogs are the favorite, with 65.1 million homes having a pup.
Cats are close behind, with 46.5 million homes welcoming them in 2023. They are the second most popular pets in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs are the most common pets in the U.S., with 65.1 million households owning them.
- Cats are the second most popular pets, with 46.5 million households owning them.
- The overall annual spend within the pet industry in the U.S. reached a record-breaking $100 billion in 2020.
- Millennials represent the largest percentage of current pet owners in the U.S. at 33%.
- Americans in rural areas are more likely to own pets compared to their suburban and urban counterparts.
Introduction
In recent years, the world has seen a big increase in pet ownership. The global pet care market hit $261 billion in 2022, up from $245 billion the year before. It’s expected to reach $350 billion by 2027. This shows how much Americans love their pets.
The COVID-19 pandemic made people want pets more, as they looked for comfort during hard times. In the U.S., 66% of homes now have a pet, up from 56% in 1988. This has led to more spending on pet products and services, with Americans now spending $136.8 billion a year on their pets.
Understanding the Latest Pet Trends
The pet industry is always changing, showing what pet owners want and need. Now, people are more into unusual pets like reptiles, small animals, and exotic birds. This has made the market for these pets worth $3.6 billion.
But dogs and cats are still the top pets. There are 65.1 million dog and 46.5 million cat homes in the U.S. Also, more millennials and Gen Z-ers are becoming pet owners.
As more people get pets, there’s a big demand for special products and services. Pet owners want high-quality food, organic treats, and even wearable tech for their pets. They also look for personalized grooming services.
The pet industry is changing because of our strong connection with our pets. As we keep bringing these animals into our lives, the industry will keep growing. It will make sure our pets get the best care and love.
Dogs: The Reigning Champions
Dogs have become the top pets in the U.S., with 65.1 million households having one. They have won over many hearts across the country.
French Bulldogs Take the Lead
The French Bulldog has taken the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for 2023. It has surpassed the Labrador Retriever, ending its 31-year reign. This breed has become more popular over time.
The top five dog breeds now include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle. The Dachshund has moved up to the 6th spot from the 9th in 2022. The Rottweiler and Bulldog have dropped in rank slightly.
Financial Responsibilities of Dog Ownership
Owning a dog brings great joy but also financial responsibilities. Owners spend about $367 a year on vet care, $339 on food, and $99 on grooming. It’s important to plan and budget for their care.
| Expense | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $367 |
| Dog Food | $339 |
| Grooming | $99 |
The love for dogs in the U.S. shows no signs of fading. From the French Bulldog’s rise to the costs of owning a dog, the world of dogs is always changing. It offers a peek into the lives of America’s pet lovers.
Cats: The Purr-fect Companions
Cats have become very popular pets in the U.S., living in 46.5 million homes in 2023. They are now the second most popular pets in the country. It’s important to look into where these cats come from.
Sources of Feline Friends
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says there are many ways to get a new cat. About 43% of cat owners bought their cat from a store. Another 40% adopted from an animal shelter or rescue. Only 7% got their cat from a breeder.
Even though cats are seen as easier to care for than dogs, they still need a lot of attention. Owners must make sure they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and fun activities. Knowing about different cat breeds helps families make sure their cat ownership is great.
| Source of Cat Adoption | Percentage of Cat Owners |
|---|---|
| Pet Store | 43% |
| Animal Shelter or Rescue | 40% |
| Breeder’s Litter | 7% |
The popularity of cats keeps growing. These pets have become a big part of many American families. Whether from a store, rescue, or breeder, cats bring joy and love to their owners.
Freshwater Fish: Aquatic Wonders
11.1 million households in the United States now have freshwater fish as pets. They are loved for their small size and need for little space. To set up a freshwater aquarium, you need to pick the right tank size and add important gear like air pumps and filters. Also, creating a beautiful aquascape can make your home look better and improve your fish’s life.
Setting Up a Freshwater Aquarium
The tank size depends on the fish you want to keep. Small fish like guppies and neon tetras do well in 5- to 10-gallon tanks. But, bigger fish like discus or angelfish need at least 75 gallons. You’ll also need to add a filter, air pump, and lighting to make a great home for your fish.
Designing the aquascape is a fun part of setting up an aquarium. Use live plants, rocks, and driftwood to make a beautiful and natural look. This not only makes your aquarium look great but also helps your fish feel safe and happy.
| Fish Species | Tank Size Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Guppies | 5-10 gallons | $3 and up |
| Cardinal Tetras | 20 gallons or larger (school of 6-10) | Varies |
| Discus Fish | 75 gallons (school of 6 adults) | Varies |
| German Blue Rams | 20 gallons or larger | Varies |
| Betta Fish | 5 gallons with heater and gentle filtration | $3 and up |
By thinking about the needs of freshwater fish and setting up a great aquarium, you can enjoy the beauty and calm of these fish at home.
Small Animals: Compact Companions
In the U.S., small animals like hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice, and ferrets are beloved pets. They live in 6.7 million homes, making them the fourth most popular pets. These small, cute pets are cherished for their size and charm.
Small animals need social time, play, and exercise, just like bigger pets. Before getting one, learn about their breeding habits. Many can have lots of babies quickly.
Responsible Breeding Practices
For small animal pets, breeding must be done right. Breeders should focus on genetic diversity, health checks, and socializing the animals. This ensures pets are healthy and fit well in their new homes.
- Genetic Diversity: Breeders should keep a wide range of genes to avoid health and behavior issues.
- Health Screenings: Animals should be checked for health problems before going to homes.
- Socialization: Animals that like people should meet different people and places early on. This helps them get along with humans.
By focusing on responsible breeding, small animal lovers can keep these pets happy and loved in U.S. homes.
Birds: Lifelong Feathered Friends
Over 6.1 million U.S. households welcome birds as pets, making them a popular choice. These birds, from the colorful parakeet to the grand macaw, bring joy and unique personalities into our lives. Each species has its own charm and care needs.
The cockatiel is a beloved bird, known for its beautiful crest and gentle voice. They can live from 15 to 25 years, with some reaching 35 years. Their size and loving nature make them a top choice for bird lovers.
Some birds can live from 7 to 80 years, so proper care is key. Annual vet visits, a balanced diet, and lots of social time are important. Spending time with your bird can be rewarding for many years.
Whether you like the bright colors of parrots, the sweet songs of canaries, or the soft sounds of doves, pet birds bring joy. With the right care, these birds can be a big part of your family for many years.
| Species | Weight | Length | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parakeets (Budgies) | 1 ounce | 6 to 8 inches | 7 – 15 years |
| Cockatiels | 3 ounces | 12 to 13 inches | 15 – 20 years, with some living up to 30 years |
| Doves | 5 to 8 ounces | 11 to 13 inches | 8 – 15 years |
| Canaries | Less than 1 ounce | 4 to 8 inches | 9-10 years, with some living up to 15 years |
| Hyacinth Macaws | 42 to 51 ounces | 40 inches | 30+ years |
| Lovebirds | 2 ounces | 5 to 6 inches | 20+ years |
There are many types of pet birds for enthusiasts to choose from. From the small, colorful parakeets to the large, long-lived macaws, each species has its own unique traits and needs. Taking good care of your bird means giving them a great home, food, and vet care.
“Birds are the messengers of the skies, their songs a symphony that lifts the soul.”
Whether you love the fun of cockatiels or the calm of doves, pet birds bring joy and companionship. With the right care and love, these lifelong feathered friends can be a big part of your family for years.
Reptiles: Scaly Sidekicks
Reptiles are becoming more popular as pets, with over 6 million U.S. homes now welcoming them. Choosing the right reptile means knowing what they eat for their health.
Dietary Preferences of Reptiles
Reptiles eat differently based on their type. Iguanas eat leaves, fruits, and veggies. Bearded dragons need plants and insects like crickets. Snakes eat mice or small rodents.
Green iguanas can be up to six feet long and weigh 20 pounds. They need a big space and eat mostly plants. Bearded dragons are smaller, about two feet long, and eat both plants and insects.
It’s important to feed your reptile the right food for their health. Doing your homework and meeting their diet needs is crucial for their well-being.
“Continuous learning about reptile care is crucial. As a zoology major, I advocate for staying up-to-date on the latest best practices to ensure the wellbeing of my pets.”- Kamryn Hart, Reptile Enthusiast
Kamryn Hart loves reptiles and is studying zoology. She has six reptile pets, each needing different food. She knows a lot about their diets.
As she graduates in December 2023, Kamryn plans to keep learning about reptiles. She shows how to care for reptiles by giving them the right food and homes.
Horses: Majestic Barn Buddies
Over 2.2 million U.S. households see horses as part of their family. These animals love daily attention from their owners or other horses. They are more than pets; they are companions.
Space and Nutritional Requirements
Looking after a horse means they need lots of space and the right food. A 1,110-pound horse should have at least 400 square feet of space outside, a 72-square-foot shelter, and room to graze. They eat about 1–2% of their weight in plants every day.
Feeding your horse well is key to their health. Lucerne, Barley chaff, pellets, muesli mixes, sweet feeds, extruded feeds, and micronized feeds are all part of a good diet. They also need 30-50 liters of water each day.
| Product | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Majesty’s Buddy Bites™ Hempables™ | $23.35 |
| Majesty’s Bio+ Wafer | $45.85 |
| Majesty’s Flex HA Wafer | $66.55 |
| Majesty’s Hempables Mobility | $29.99 |
| Majesty’s HEMPABLES™ EQ Wafer | $48.55 |
| Majesty’s Kalm+ Wafer | $27.85 |
Looking after a pet horse means regular dental care and checking for health issues. Issues like colic and arthritis need attention. Getting your horse vaccinated against the Hendra virus is also crucial.
Good horse care means having the right shelter and tools. But horses are social animals. They need friends to prevent bad habits like cribbing.
Saltwater Fish: Vibrant Underwater Worlds
Saltwater fish lovers will find a wide range of colorful and interesting species for their tanks. Many of these fish are now raised in tanks, helping to protect wild populations. About 250 types of marine fish are now bred in captivity, including anemonefish, gobies, and seahorses.
Cardinalfish: A Beginner-Friendly Choice
If you’re new to pet saltwater fish and saltwater aquarium care, the cardinalfish is a good pick. They are easy to care for and fit well in smaller tanks. They are also very resistant to diseases, making them perfect for beginners.
There are countless pet saltwater fish to choose from for your aquarium. Each one has its own look and care needs. Whether you like the bright colors of the Ocellaris clownfish or the beautiful moves of the Neon Goby, there’s always something new to discover in the saltwater aquarium hobby.
| Fish Species | Temperature Range | pH Level | Size | Diet | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocellaris Clownfish | 72-82°F | 8.1-8.4 | 3-4 inches | Omnivorous | Tropical reef |
| Neon Goby | 72-82°F | 8.1-8.4 | 1-2 inches | Carnivorous | Reef and rocky areas |
Exploring the world of pet saltwater fish is thrilling, with many species, behaviors, and the joy of a saltwater aquarium. It’s a hobby that offers endless discovery and fun, whether you’re an expert or just starting out.
Considering Your Lifestyle and Commitment
Thinking about getting a pet? It’s key to look at your lifestyle and how much time you can give. The right pet might not always be the latest trend. You need to think about how much space you have, your budget, and if you can handle daily care for the pet’s whole life.
Dogs can live more than 10 years, so owning one means a big commitment. Cats can live up to 15 years or more, needing a lot of care too. Birds like parrots can live up to 50 years, so be ready for a long-term care plan.
Rabbits live between seven to 10 years and need a lot of care. Cats need daily play and attention. Rabbits also need daily care, including gentle handling and a varied diet.
Parrots need at least two to three hours of interaction every day. This shows how much time owners must give. Ferrets are playful and need lots of social time because they’re active.
Having a pet also means spending money. In 2023, about 6.25 million pets were insured, showing how important vet care is. Routine vet visits can cost between $50 and $250, so budgeting is key.
When thinking about getting a pet, make sure to look at your pet ownership considerations, pet care requirements, and pet lifestyle fit. This ensures you can give the care and commitment your pet needs for its whole life.
What is the most sale pet in USA?
In the United States, pet owners have many choices for companions. Dogs and cats are top choices, but there are also reptiles and horses. Which pets are the most popular and sold the most?
Dogs are the top pets in the USA, with 65.1 million homes having one in 2023. Cats are close behind, with 46.5 million homes welcoming them. These two pets are the favorites among Americans.
But there’s more to the pet market than just dogs and cats. Americans also love freshwater fish, small animals, birds, reptiles, and horses. This shows how diverse pet choices are today.
| Pet Type | Number of Households (in millions) |
|---|---|
| Dogs | 65.1 |
| Cats | 46.5 |
| Freshwater Fish | 12.5 |
| Small Animals | 6.2 |
| Birds | 5.7 |
| Reptiles | 4.5 |
| Horses | 2.6 |
The pet industry is always changing, but one thing is clear: Americans love many types of pets. Whether you prefer dogs, cats, or something more exotic, there’s a pet for you in the USA.
Conclusion
In the United States, the way people view pet ownership is changing. Americans now choose a wide range of animals as companions. This includes everything from dogs and cats to fish and even horses.
The pet ownership trends show that many things affect what pets people choose. Things like where they live and their personal lives matter a lot. The pet industry analysis also points out the big costs and duties of caring for pets. It’s key to think about these things before getting a pet.
Choosing the right pet means matching your lifestyle with the needs of the animal. This way, you can start a rewarding journey. You’ll build a strong bond and make lasting memories with your pet.
