According to a 2024 survey, dogs were the most commonly owned pet in UK households. The share of households reporting dog ownership stood at 36 percent. The second most common house pet among UK households were cats, with around 26 percent of respondents stating their ownership. Pet ownership in the UK In the past year, pet ownership levels in the UK decreased by five percent when compared to 2022. This decrease could be explained by the change in owner's routines since pandemic restrictions have lifted. The share of UK households owning a dog or cat also decreased in comparison to previous years. Happiness, companionship, and man’s best friend A 2020 survey asked dog owners to state their reasons for owning a dog and all linked their ownership to either improving their happiness and/or providing companionship. Happiness was the most common response, with 51 percent stating ‘because they make me happy’. Whereas 47 percent stated their dogs provided ‘love/affection’ and 35 percent stated their dogs provided ‘companionship’. It seems the old saying “man’s best friend” still holds true to this day.

With over 470 million dogs kept as pets worldwide, dogs came out on top as the leading type of pet in 2018. Within the same year, there were roughly 370 million pet cats in the world.

Pets in the European Union

While dogs were globally speaking the most common type of pet, cats were more common in the European Union in 2018. Roughly 75 million people within this region had a pet cat in 2018, compared to the 65 million pet dogs. That year, Germany had about nine and a half million pet dogs, making it the country with the highest number within the European Union. Other top dog-loving countries included the United Kingdom, Poland, and France.

Other pets in Germany

Besides cats and dogs, Germans had many other household pets in 2018. About five and a half million small pets, such as hamsters and rabbits, were kept by Germans that year. Additionally, about two million households in Germany owned an aquarium and roughly one and a half million households owned a garden pond.

According to a 2017 survey, Millennial males in the United States were more likely to be cat and/or dog owners than their female counterparts. Some ** percent of male Millennial survey respondents stated that they owned a cat and ** percent owned a dog. In comparison, ** and ** percent of female respondents were cat and/or dog owners, respectively.

Pet ownership rates in the United States

In 2019, ** percent of all households in the United States owned a pet . This is over a *** percent increase from 1988. Almost ** percent of surveyed American pet-owning households had a dog in 2017 , making it the most popular type of pet to own in the United States. Cats and freshwater fish were the second and third most popular type of pet, with a ** and ** percent share of the vote respectively.

Number of pets owned

Freshwater fish were the most kept pet in the United States in 2017/18 in terms of volume. In total, Americans were estimated to own approximately ***** million of the aquatic animals in that year. This large volume is no surprise when considering their small size and minor cost increases when owning more than one fish as a pet. Cats and dogs were the second and third most owned pets, with around **** and **** million living in U.S. households respectively.

Dogs and cats have become the most important and successful pets through long-term domestication. People keep them for various reasons, such as their functional roles or for physical or psychological support. However, why humans are so attached to dogs and cats remains unclear. A comprehensive understanding of the current state of human preferences for dogs and cats and the potential influential factors behind it is required. Here, we investigate this question using two independent online datasets and anonymous questionnaires in China. We find that current human preferences for dog and cat videos are relatively higher than for most other interests, with video plays ranking among the top three out of fifteen interests. We also find genetic variations, gender, age, and economic development levels notably influence human preferences for dogs and cats. Specifically, dog and cat ownership are significantly associated with parents’ pet ownership of dogs and cats (Spearman’s rank correlation c..., , , # Human preferences for dogs and cats in China: the current situation and influencing factors of watching online videos and pet ownership

https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.qfttdz0rr

This dataset contains three CSV data files, each corresponding to one of the three parts described in the study.

Description of the data and file structure

**“1, bilibili.csv†**: contains data extracted from the Bilibili website. Each row in the dataset represents yearly data for each popular channel. Missing data are indicated with NA.

• ID:Â The serial number for each video, ranging from 1 to 167368.
• year: The year the video was published on the website, from 2009 to 2021.
• Videourl:Â The URL of the video.
• plays:Â The total number of plays for the video.
• likes: The total number of likes for the video.
• sort: The ranking of the video in terms of play count among all popular videos in its channel for that year.
• channelID: The I...

**** were the most popular pets in Japan as revealed in a survey panel by Rakuten Insight conducted between April and May 2025. The survey on pet ownership showed that dogs and cats were the most common animal companions kept in Japan, which is reflected in the dominance of dogs and cat goods within the domestic pet supplies market. Cats and dogs in Japan Even though dogs were popular for their approachability and loyalty among Japanese people, cats are closing in on the popularity of canines. As Japan is struggling to contain the number of strays in municipalities, in particular felines, picking up a lost or stray cat is a frequent reason to become a new owner. In contrast, dogs and other mammals like rodents are mostly mediated through retail channels like pet stores or breeders, requiring higher costs in the adoption process. Pet businesses The Japanese pet market offers owners a variety of establishments and pet stores to indulge their animal companions with services and goods, including wellness programs, accessories, and luxury snacks. While general food and **************** make up the top items of annual expenses spent on pet dogs, beauty expenses covering shampoo, cutting, and trimming are coming in third. Boosted by the "kawaii" (cuteness) culture in Japan, dog barbers and fashion goods for pets are not an uncommon sight in the country.

Dogs vs. Cats Image Classification

The "Cats vs. Dogs" dataset is a comprehensive collection of high-quality images specifically curated for binary image classification tasks, focusing on distinguishing between images of cats and dogs. This dataset is designed to serve as an ideal benchmark for evaluating deep learning and data science models in the domain of image classification.

Dataset Composition: The dataset comprises three main folders, meticulously organized to facilitate model training, validation, and evaluation:

1. Training Set: This folder contains a total of 20,000 images, equally split between 10,000 images of cats and 10,000 images of dogs. These images have been handpicked to cover a wide range of poses, backgrounds, and lighting conditions, ensuring a diverse and representative training sample.

2. Test Set: The test set mirrors the training set in size, comprising 12,461 images, with 6,219 images of dogs and 6,242 images of cats. This set remains completely independent and is intended to assess the generalization ability of trained models on unseen data.

3. Validation Set: Specifically crafted for fine-tuning and hyperparameter tuning, the validation set consists of 5,000 images. It includes 2,500 images of cats and 2,500 images of dogs, providing an unbiased evaluation of model performance during the development phase.

Image Specifications: All images in the dataset adhere to consistent standards to eliminate any bias related to image quality or resolution. The images are stored in popular image formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and have been resized to a uniform resolution, enabling seamless input to most deep learning frameworks.

Use Case and Applications: The Cats vs. Dogs dataset is tailored for binary image classification tasks in the domain of computer vision and offers a multitude of practical applications. This dataset can be employed for:

• Training and benchmarking deep learning models for binary image classification.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of various data augmentation techniques.
• Research in transfer learning and fine-tuning pre-trained models.
• Advancing the state-of-the-art in image classification algorithms.
• Classroom education and academic research in machine learning and data science.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the dataset, the creators cannot guarantee absolute perfection or absence of errors. Users are encouraged to verify the dataset's suitability for their specific purposes and report any potential issues to contribute to the dataset's improvement and enrichment.

License: The "Cats vs. Dogs" dataset is made available under an open-source license, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scientific community. Users are encouraged to adhere to the license terms, which will be detailed in the dataset documentation.

I hope this dataset will facilitate cutting-edge research and innovation in the fascinating field of deep learning and data science, propelling us toward a future where AI-powered computer vision systems bring transformative benefits to society.

This statistic shows a ranking of the leading pets owned by households in the United Kingdom (UK) between 2016 and 2019, broken down by region. In London, 14 percent of people were cat owners, while 9 percent owned a dog, making this the only region were cats were more popular than dogs.

In total, 45 percent of the UK population own a pet . This figure has increased by five percent since 2016. Over 90 percent of pet owners in the UK say that owning a pet makes them feel happy and 88 percent feel that pet ownership improves their overall quality of life.

With such as high ownership of pets in the United Kingdom, this leads the path for retailers in a growing and dynamic market. Pet food has a key role to play, with dog and cat food alone estimated at 2.5 billion British pounds in 2017.

IntroductionLate adolescence is a crucial period during which individuals connect with new communities. Furthermore, their mental health has lasting effects on their overall well-being. Involvement with family and the local community plays a significant role in shaping adolescents’ personalities and well-being. Additionally, pets, such as dogs and cats, function as social catalysts and increase interactions with family and the local community. We hypothesized that pet ownership would increase involvement with family and the local community and thereby impact adolescents’ personalities and well-being.MethodsTherefore, this study investigated whether owning dogs or cats was related to well-being through increased involvement with family and local community members in late adolescence. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered to high school and university students. The questionnaire included questions on basic information about adolescents and their families, pet ownership experience, family and local community involvement, well-being, cultural estrangement inventory, and general trust.ResultsStructural equation modeling revealed that adolescent women who owned dogs or cats had higher well-being and general trust through their involvement with their families. Although previous research reported that men who had experienced pet ownership in childhood were more sociable in old age, the effect of pet ownership on men was not observed in this study.DiscussionDuring late adolescence, when individuals experience many connections with new communities, the effects of pets may temporarily decrease. Therefore, future cohort studies should examine the effects of pets on each age group.

Concerns about the impact of pet dogs and cats on native wildlife populations have shaped pet control legislation, despite there being scant research of their impact in urban areas. Using an online questionnaire, we obtained data from 662 Australian dog and cat owners who had observed their pets capture prey in the previous 6 months. Of the pets observed to catch prey, dogs caught a median of 2 mammals, 2 birds, 2 reptiles, and 3 amphibians, whereas cats caught a median of 3 mammals, 2 birds, 4 reptiles, and 2 amphibians. Of mammals caught by dogs and cats, 88 and 93%, respectively, were identifiable as introduced mice, rats, and rabbits. Of pets that caught prey, a substantial proportion caught native animals (62% of dogs and 47% of cats). However, median numbers of native animals caught per dog (2) or cat (3) over 6 months were low. Small skinks and lizards comprised the greatest proportion for dogs and cats, but dogs also caught larger native prey (e.g., possums, kangaroos, and wallabies). Most birds caught by dogs and cats were common or introduced (dogs: crested pigeons and lorikeets; cats: noisy miners and rosellas). To design measures that will effectively protect Australia's native wildlife, thorough understanding of the role dogs and cats play in Australian urban ecosystems is required. These findings can inform that understanding, and assist with development of management strategies for urban dogs and cats, and as well as directing resources to efforts that will most protect urban wildlife.

From 2010 to 2024, the share of cats in Swedish households was higher than the share of dogs. In 2019, ** percent of households owned at least one cat, while there were ** percent of dog-owning households. In 2024, the share amounted to ** percent of cat owners as well as ** percent of dog owners. The number of the popular pet animal cats grew in this period from **** million to **** million cats.    Most popular cat breeds  The Ragdoll cat breed came first in the popularity ranking measured by number of purchased animals in Sweden in 2021. In this year, nearly ***** animals of this breed were bought. The Maine Coon ranked second with a number of around ***** purchased cats, ahead of the Siberian Cat cat and the Norwegian Forest cat.  Pet dogs  In Sweden in 2010, there were *** thousand pet dogs. This number increased by almost *** thousand and, in 2022, peaked at about **** million animals. As of 2019, the Labrador Retriever was the most purchased dog breed in the country, reaching over *** thousand animals. It was followed by approximately **** thousand purchased Golden Retriever dogs as well as German Shepherd dogs.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Freeze Dried Pet Food Market Size was USD XX Billion in 2025 and is set to achieve a market size of USD XX Billion by the end of 203, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2033.

North America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Europe held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Asia-Pacific held a share of XX% in the year 2024
South America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Middle East and Africa held a share of XX% in the year 2024

MARKET DYNAMICS: KEY DRIVERS

The growing pet population and the humanization of pets are driving the boost in the demand for freeze-died pet food.

The growing pet population is a significant driver of the freeze-dried pet food market. As more people bring pets into their homes, the demand for high-quality pet food products is on the rise. Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, which is 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats. It's estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat. At the same time, the trend of pet humanization is also driving the demand for premium pet food products. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets like family members and are seeking pet food products that offer superior quality and nutrition. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want the best for their pets. Freeze-dried pet food is perceived as a premium product, and its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives make it an attractive option for pet owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and nutritious diet. With the growing pet population and the trend of pet humanization, the demand for freeze-dried pet food is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Increasing demand for healthy pet food alternatives is driving the market for freeze-dried pet food.

The demand for natural and healthy pet food is on the rise, driven by pet owners' growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for their pets' overall health and well-being. Freeze-dried pet food is seen as a healthier alternative to traditional kibble, as it preserves the natural nutrients and flavor of the ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often processed at high temperatures, freeze-dried pet food is made using a gentle process that helps retain the natural goodness of the ingredients. Pet owners are increasingly willing to pay more for pet food with health and wellness benefits; 74% in the Packaged Facts report said so, up from 66% in a similar survey in 2023. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are seeking a more natural and healthy diet for their pets. Many pet owners are also seeking pet food products that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and freeze-dried pet food fits the bill. With its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives, freeze-dried pet food is an attractive option for pet owners who want the best for their pets.

A restraint for the freeze-dried pet food market is the high production cost.

Freeze-drying is a complex and expensive process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. This results in higher production costs, which can make freeze-dried pet food less competitive with other types of pet food. Additionally, the high cost of raw materials, such as meat and fish, can also contribute to higher production costs. Furthermore, the freeze-drying process requires a significant amount of energy, which can increase costs and make it challenging for manufacturers to maintain profitability. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that food prices increased 2.4% annually. Overall, food has risen 2.4%, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs up 3.8% from Nov. 2023 to Nov. 2024. The high production costs can also limit the availability of freeze-dried pet food in certain regions or markets, making it less accessible to pet owners who may be interested in purchasing these products. As a result, manufacturers may need to explore ways to reduce costs, such as investing in more efficient equipment or sourcing raw materials from more affordable suppliers. Freeze-dried dog food is a growingly popular raw meat-based diet that offers a less proc...

Dataset

This dataset was created by Rafael R. Lima

Released under CC0: Public Domain

Contents

File Information

• This Dataset contains images of dogs and cats.
• That is 23 of the most common breeds; 15 breeds of dogs and 8 breeds of cats.
• Each of the classes has 170 images (except the 'mumbai cat' class) and is separated by folders.
• All of the images are in .jpg / .jpeg format.
• Most of the images have been cleaned, but further cleaning may be needed to fit to your individual models.

Inspiration

• The dataset is highly inspired by the Oxford Dataset that has 37 breeds of cats and dogs.
• This one contains the most common breeds of cats and dogs around the world.
• I really wanted to create my very own dataset, for my custom deep learning model.

The human gut microbiome has a great deal of interpersonal variation due to both endogenous and exogenous factors, like household pet exposure. To examine the relationship between having a pet in the home and the composition and diversity of the adult gut microbiome, we conducted a case-control study nested in a larger, statewide study, the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin. Stool samples were collected from 332 participants from unique households and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq. One hundred and seventy-eight participants had some type of pet in the home with dogs and cats being the most prevalent. We observed no difference in alpha and beta diversity between those with and without pets, though seven OTUs were significantly more abundant in those without pets compared to those with pets, and four were significantly more abundant in those with pets. When stratifying by age, seven of these remained significant. These results suggest that pet ownership is associated with differences in the human gut microbiota. Further research is needed to better characterize the effect of pet ownership on the human gut microbiome.

In March 2020, Americans began experiencing numerous lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some reports have suggested that pet acquisition and ownership increased during this period, and some have suggested shelters and rescues will be overwhelmed once pandemic-related restrictions are lifted and lifestyles shift yet again. In May 2021, the ASPCA hired the global market research company Ipsos to conduct a general population survey that would provide a more comprehensive picture of pet ownership and acquisition during the pandemic. Although pet owners care for a number of species, the term pet owner in this study specifically refers to those who had dogs and/or cats. One goal of the survey was to determine whether data from a sample of adults residing in the United States would corroborate findings from national shelter databases indicating that animals were not being surrendered to shelters in large numbers. Furthermore, this survey gauged individuals' concerns related to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, and analyses examined factors associated with pet owners indicating they were considering rehoming an animal within the next 3 months. The data showed that pet ownership did not increase during the pandemic and that pets may have been rehomed in greater numbers than occurs during more stable times. Importantly, rehomed animals were placed with friends, family members, and neighbors more frequently than they were relinquished to animal shelters and rescues. Findings associated with those who rehomed an animal during the pandemic, or were considering rehoming, suggest that animal welfare organizations have opportunities to increase pet retention by providing resources regarding pet-friendly housing and affordable veterinary options and by helping pet owners strategize how to incorporate their animals into their post-pandemic lifestyles.

Materials and methodsVirusesThe following influenza viral strains were used in this study: H3N2 AIV (A/duck/Guangdong/W12/2011) (Accession Number: JX175250.1); H3N8 AIV (A/Gallinula/Guangzhou/A1/2017) (Accession Number: ON287054.1); H3N2 SIV (A/Swine/Guangdong/FS4/2015) (GISAID isolate-ID: EPI_ISL_249845); H3N2 CIV (A/canine/Guangdong/1/2006) (Accession Number: GU433351.1). The viral titers were evaluated by EID50/ml assay. Virus stocks were propagated in 9- to 12-day-old embryonated specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken eggs and titrated using the EID50 assay.Animals and groupingSixteen 9- to 11-week-old beagles and sixteen 9- to 12-week-old domestic shorthair cats, all seronegative for influenza A viruses, were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into five groups for both beagles and shorthair cats separately: three experimental groups and two control groups. Each experimental group consisted of four animals, and each control group consisted of two animals. All animals were anesthetized with propofol (1-2.5 mg/kg) and intranasally inoculated with 10⁶ EID50 of the corresponding virus in 1.0 mL PBS. Control groups were inoculated with 1.0 mL pathogen-free SPF chicken embryo allantoic liquid.Clinical signs and seroconversionClinical signs and rectal temperature were monitored daily for 14 days post-inoculation (dpi). Nasal swabs were collected daily from 1 to 14 dpi and titrated by EID50 assay in SPF chicken eggs. Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 dpi for serological antibodies assessment, treated with receptor-destroying enzyme (RDE), and subjected to hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay.Viral replication and pathological examinationAt 4 dpi, one animal from each group was euthanized with an intravenous injection of pentobarbital sodium (150-200 mg/kg). Lung, trachea, nasal turbinate, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, stomach, and brain tissues were collected. In consideration of animal welfare, euthanasia was performed on only one animal per group in this study, and three tissue samples were collected from each type of tissue. Tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). All tissues were weighed and homogenized in 1 mL of PBS per gram, then centrifuged to obtain the supernatant, which was titrated using the EID50 assay to assess viral replication.Ethics statementAll procedures in animal experiments met the requirements of animal welfare and were approved by the Experimental Animal Welfare Ethics Committee of South China Agricultural University (protocol code: 2024c016). All experimental animals were monitored by university-licensed veterinarians. All animal experiments were performed in a level 2 animal biosafety laboratory (A-BSL level 2).

The mobile pet care market, valued at $0.72 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.45% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is driven by several key factors. Increasing pet ownership globally, coupled with busier lifestyles and a greater emphasis on pet well-being, fuels the demand for convenient, at-home pet care services. The convenience of mobile grooming, veterinary care, and other services eliminates the need for transportation and reduces stress for both pets and owners. Furthermore, technological advancements, such as mobile veterinary diagnostic tools and streamlined appointment scheduling platforms, are enhancing efficiency and service quality within this sector. The market segmentation reveals a strong preference for services catering to dogs and cats, with grooming services (bathing, brushing, nail trimming) forming a significant portion of the revenue. The rising adoption of pet insurance further bolsters the market as owners increasingly seek preventative and reactive healthcare options. Geographic variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding larger market shares, driven by higher pet ownership rates and disposable incomes; however, Asia-Pacific is poised for significant growth as pet ownership continues to rise in developing economies. The competitive landscape is moderately fragmented, with numerous players offering specialized services. Established players like Aussie Mobile Vet Pty Ltd and Dial a Dog Wash Ltd are competing against smaller, localized businesses. Success hinges on delivering high-quality service, building trust with pet owners, and employing effective marketing strategies to reach target audiences. Future growth will likely be fueled by continued technological innovation, expansion into underserved markets, and the integration of advanced technologies to provide more comprehensive and personalized pet care solutions, like telehealth consultations. The market’s trajectory indicates a promising future for mobile pet care providers, with ample opportunities for expansion and diversification. Recent developments include: June 2024: Woofie’s of Grand Rapids unveiled its premier pet care services, catering to a variety of animals from dogs and cats to fish, birds, and more. These services are tailored for pet owners in Ada, Caledonia, Cascade, Forest Hills, Grand Rapids, Lowell, and East Grand Rapids. Woofie’s comprehensive offerings encompass pet sitting, dog walking, grooming facilitated by its mobile pet spa, and a host of personalized services. These cater to pet owners seeking assistance or looking to indulge their beloved companions., June 2024: The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) free mobile veterinary clinic, a partnership between Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Friends of Miami Animals Foundation, was established to serve at-risk pets and their owners in underserved communities throughout Miami-Dade County.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization of Pets, Increasing Awareness for Pet Grooming and Veterinary Services. Potential restraints include: Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization of Pets, Increasing Awareness for Pet Grooming and Veterinary Services. Notable trends are: The Dogs Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share During the Forecast Period.

Pet Insurance Market Outlook

The global pet insurance market size is projected to grow from USD 7.3 billion in 2023 to USD 20.7 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. This robust growth is driven by increasing pet ownership and rising awareness of pet health and wellness. The market is expected to witness significant growth owing to the trend of humanization of pets, where pet owners are increasingly treating pets as family members, thus willing to spend more on their healthcare and well-being.

A major growth factor for the pet insurance market is the increasing awareness among pet owners about the rising costs of veterinary services. As medical advancements in veterinary care continue to develop, the treatment options for pets have also become more advanced and, consequently, more expensive. This has spurred the demand for pet insurance policies that can mitigate the financial burden of unforeseen medical expenses. Moreover, the increasing number of companion animals around the world and the growing expenditure on their healthcare are further propelling the market growth. In countries like the United States and Canada, there is a notable rise in the adoption of pet insurance to safeguard against high veterinary costs.

The humanization of pets is another significant driver contributing to the market's expansion. Pet owners are increasingly viewing their pets as integral family members and are willing to invest in their health and well-being. This trend is particularly evident in developed regions such as North America and Europe, where disposable incomes are higher and the willingness to spend on pet healthcare is more pronounced. Beyond just treating illnesses, pet insurance policies now cover preventative care, which further drives the market as owners seek comprehensive health plans for their pets.

Technological advancements in the pet insurance industry are also playing a crucial role in market growth. The integration of digital platforms for managing insurance policies, claims, and providing telemedicine services is making it easier for pet owners to access and manage their insurance plans. The rise of mobile apps and online portals allows for more efficient and user-friendly services, encouraging more pet owners to adopt insurance policies. These digital tools also facilitate better customer engagement and personalized service, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pet cat Insurance is becoming increasingly popular as more cat owners recognize the importance of safeguarding their feline companions against unexpected medical expenses. Cats, while generally requiring less medical attention than dogs, are still susceptible to a variety of health issues that can arise suddenly. Insurance policies tailored specifically for cats often cover a range of medical treatments, including emergency care and chronic conditions, providing peace of mind to pet owners. As urban living continues to rise, with more people choosing cats as their preferred pets, the demand for cat-specific insurance policies is expected to grow. This trend is particularly noticeable in metropolitan areas where veterinary costs can be significantly higher.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the pet insurance market, driven by high pet ownership rates and a strong focus on pet health and wellness. Europe follows closely, with countries such as the UK, Sweden, and Germany showing significant adoption rates. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, with growing awareness and increasing pet adoption rates in countries like China, Japan, and Australia. These regions are expected to witness substantial market growth due to rising disposable incomes and changing attitudes towards pet care.

Policy Type Analysis

The pet insurance market is segmented into various policy types, including Accident & Illness, Accident Only, and Others. The Accident & Illness segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share due to its comprehensive coverage, which includes a wide range of medical issues from minor injuries to serious illnesses. This type of policy is highly preferred by pet owners seeking extensive health coverage for their pets. The extensive coverage provided by these policies ensures that pet owners are protected against unexpected high veterinary costs, makin

In this competition, you'll write an algorithm to classify whether images contain either a dog or a cat. This is easy for humans, dogs, and cats. Your computer will find it a bit more difficult.

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The Asirra data set

Web services are often protected with a challenge that's supposed to be easy for people to solve, but difficult for computers. Such a challenge is often called a CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) or HIP (Human Interactive Proof). HIPs are used for many purposes, such as to reduce email and blog spam and prevent brute-force attacks on web site passwords.

Asirra (Animal Species Image Recognition for Restricting Access) is a HIP that works by asking users to identify photographs of cats and dogs. This task is difficult for computers, but studies have shown that people can accomplish it quickly and accurately. Many even think it's fun! Here is an example of the Asirra interface:

Asirra is unique because of its partnership with Petfinder.com, the world's largest site devoted to finding homes for homeless pets. They've provided Microsoft Research with over three million images of cats and dogs, manually classified by people at thousands of animal shelters across the United States. Kaggle is fortunate to offer a subset of this data for fun and research. Image recognition attacks

While random guessing is the easiest form of attack, various forms of image recognition can allow an attacker to make guesses that are better than random. There is enormous diversity in the photo database (a wide variety of backgrounds, angles, poses, lighting, etc.), making accurate automatic classification difficult. In an informal poll conducted many years ago, computer vision experts posited that a classifier with better than 60% accuracy would be difficult without a major advance in the state of the art. For reference, a 60% classifier improves the guessing probability of a 12-image HIP from 1/4096 to 1/459. State of the art

The current literature suggests machine classifiers can score above 80% accuracy on this task [1]. Therfore, Asirra is no longer considered safe from attack. We have created this contest to benchmark the latest computer vision and deep learning approaches to this problem. Can you crack the CAPTCHA? Can you improve the state of the art? Can you create lasting peace between cats and dogs?

Submission Format

Your submission should have a header. For each image in the test set, predict a label for its id (1 = dog, 0 = cat):

id,label 1,0 2,0 3,0 etc...

A large set of images of cats and dogs. There are 1738 corrupted images that are dropped.

To use this dataset:

import tensorflow_datasets as tfds

ds = tfds.load('cats_vs_dogs', split='train')
for ex in ds.take(4):
 print(ex)

See the guide for more informations on tensorflow_datasets.

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