An estimated ** million households in the United States owned at least one dog according to a 2024/25 pet owners survey, making them the most widely owned type of pet across the U.S. at this time. Cats and freshwater fish ranked in second and third places, with around ** million and ** million households owning such pets, respectively. Freshwater vs. salt water fish Freshwater fish spend most or all their lives in fresh water. Fresh water’s main difference to salt water is the level of salinity. Freshwater fish have a range of physiological adaptations to enable them to live in such conditions. As the statistic makes clear, Americans keep a large number of freshwater aquatic species at home as pets. American pet owners In 2023, around ** percent of all households in the United States owned a pet. This is a decrease from 2020, but still around a ** percent increase from 1988. It is no surprise that as more and more households own pets, pet industry expenditure has also witnessed steady growth. Expenditure reached over *** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, almost a sixfold increase from 1998. The majority of pet product sales are still made in brick-and-mortar stores, despite the rise and evolution of e-commerce in the United States.

As of 2025, approximately 42 percent of consumers in the United States with over 50k$ household income considered it important for the food to have natural ingredients. A high percentage of pet owners also found the price important factors to keep in mind when making a purchasing decision.

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.

analyze the consumer expenditure survey (ce) with r the consumer expenditure survey (ce) is the primo data source to understand how americans spend money. participating households keep a running diary about every little purchase over the year. those diaries are then summed up into precise expenditure categories. how else are you gonna know that the average american household spent $34 (±2) on bacon, $826 (±17) on cellular phones, and $13 (±2) on digital e-readers in 2011? an integral component of the market basket calculation in the consumer price index, this survey recently became available as public-use microdata and they're slowly releasing historical files back to 1996. hooray! for a t aste of what's possible with ce data, look at the quick tables listed on their main page - these tables contain approximately a bazillion different expenditure categories broken down by demographic groups. guess what? i just learned that americans living in households with $5,000 to $9,999 of annual income spent an average of $283 (±90) on pets, toys, hobbies, and playground equipment (pdf page 3). you can often get close to your statistic of interest from these web tables. but say you wanted to look at domestic pet expenditure among only households with children between 12 and 17 years old. another one of the thirteen web tables - the consumer unit composition table - shows a few different breakouts of households with kids, but none matching that exact population of interest. the bureau of labor statistics (bls) (the survey's designers) and the census bureau (the survey's administrators) have provided plenty of the major statistics and breakouts for you, but they're not psychic. if you want to comb through this data for specific expenditure categories broken out by a you-defined segment of the united states' population, then let a little r into your life. fun starts now. fair warning: only analyze t he consumer expenditure survey if you are nerd to the core. the microdata ship with two different survey types (interview and diary), each containing five or six quarterly table formats that need to be stacked, merged, and manipulated prior to a methodologically-correct analysis. the scripts in this repository contain examples to prepare 'em all, just be advised that magnificent data like this will never be no-assembly-required. the folks at bls have posted an excellent summary of what's av ailable - read it before anything else. after that, read the getting started guide. don't skim. a few of the descriptions below refer to sas programs provided by the bureau of labor statistics. you'll find these in the C:\My Directory\CES\2011\docs directory after you run the download program. this new github repository contains three scripts: 2010-2011 - download all microdata.R lo op through every year and download every file hosted on the bls's ce ftp site import each of the comma-separated value files into r with read.csv depending on user-settings, save each table as an r data file (.rda) or stat a-readable file (.dta) 2011 fmly intrvw - analysis examples.R load the r data files (.rda) necessary to create the 'fmly' table shown in the ce macros program documentation.doc file construct that 'fmly' table, using five quarters of interviews (q1 2011 thru q1 2012) initiate a replicate-weighted survey design object perform some lovely li'l analysis examples replicate the %mean_variance() macro found in "ce macros.sas" and provide some examples of calculating descriptive statistics using unimputed variables replicate the %compare_groups() macro found in "ce macros.sas" and provide some examples of performing t -tests using unimputed variables create an rsqlite database (to minimize ram usage) containing the five imputed variable files, after identifying which variables were imputed based on pdf page 3 of the user's guide to income imputation initiate a replicate-weighted, database-backed, multiply-imputed survey design object perform a few additional analyses that highlight the modified syntax required for multiply-imputed survey designs replicate the %mean_variance() macro found in "ce macros.sas" and provide some examples of calculating descriptive statistics using imputed variables repl icate the %compare_groups() macro found in "ce macros.sas" and provide some examples of performing t-tests using imputed variables replicate the %proc_reg() and %proc_logistic() macros found in "ce macros.sas" and provide some examples of regressions and logistic regressions using both unimputed and imputed variables replicate integrated mean and se.R match each step in the bls-provided sas program "integr ated mean and se.sas" but with r instead of sas create an rsqlite database when the expenditure table gets too large for older computers to handle in ram export a table "2011 integrated mean and se.csv" that exactly matches the contents of the sas-produced "2011 integrated mean and se.lst" text file click here to view these three scripts for...

Tools enable animals to exploit and command new resources. However, the neural circuits underpinning tool use and how neural activity varies with an animal’s tool proficiency, are only known for humans and some other primates. We use 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to image the brain activity of naïve vs trained American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) when presented with a task requiring the use of stone tools. As in humans, talent affects the neural circuits activated by crows as they prepare to execute the task. Naïve and less proficient crows use neural circuits associated with sensory- and higher-order processing centers (the mesopallium and nidopallium), while highly proficient individuals increase activity in circuits associated with motor learning and tactile control (hippocampus, tegmentum, nucleus basorostralis, and cerebellum). Greater proficiency is found primarily in adult female crows and may reflect their need to use more cognitively complex strategies, ..., , , # Supplementary Dataset

Sheet 1 (source data for Figures 2, 3, and 4 top and Supplementary Figures 1-5 in the SI)Â shows the coordinates of activity (Z > 4.0) identified by the program Neurostat (University of Utah) for all 17 volumes of interest (VOIs) shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4. They are sorted according to the comparison being made. VOIs 1-4 and 5-6 are from comparing the post-training scans of the high vs low proficiency birds. 1-4: activity that was significantly higher for the high proficiency crows compared to the low proficiency. 5-6: significantly higher for the low proficiency birds compared to high. VOI 7 is from comparing the post-training scans of the high vs medium proficiency birds. Like 5-6, the Z-score is negative because the activity was higher for the medium-proficiency birds compared to the high-proficiency crows. Finally, VOIs 9-17 are from comparing the post-training scans against the pre-training scans for all the birds (regardless of eventual proficien...

Virtual robots, including virtual animals, are expected to have a future impact within affective and aesthetic interfaces, serious games, video instruction, and the personalization of educational instruction. The actual impact depends much on how virtual characters are perceived by users and the uncanny valley theory has shown that the design of virtual characters can affect user experiences. This research explores whether the uncanny valley effect, which has already been found for the human-like appearance of virtual characters, can also be found for animal-like appearances. The main questions: ● RQ1. Ranking Does the expert-based ranking of virtual animals lead to different uncanny valley effects than the participant-based ranking of virtual animals? ● RQ2. Movement Does movement of the virtual animals amplify the affinity responses (changes in familiarity, commonality, naturalness, attractiveness, interestingness, and animateness) compared to still images of the virtual animals? ● RQ3. Morbidity Does a morbid virtual animal (e.g., one with zombie features) elicit more negative familiarity, commonality, naturalness, attractiveness, interestingness, and animateness than other characters? You can have access to experimental data in SPSS, videos of the survey II, and images used in the survey I and II. Method: We conducted two studies through online surveys with six different designs, which were evaluated in terms of their familiarity, commonality, naturalness, attractiveness, interestingness, and animateness. In study I, experts ordered the six still images on animal-likeness, while for the still and moving images of study II, the participants were asked to order the images on animal-likeness. Universe: Study or survey I had 162 participants between 10 to 50 years old and from several continents: 1 from Africa, 15 from Asia, 126 from Europe, 5 from North America, and 15 from South America. Study or survey II had 163 participants between 10 to 60 years old and again from several continents: 8 from Asia, 2 from Asia/Europe, 73 from Europe, 1 from North America, and 79 from South America.

Domestication is a well-known example of the relaxation of environmentally-based cognitive selection that leads to reductions in brain size. However, little is known about how brain size evolves after domestication and whether subsequent directional/artificial selection can compensate for domestication effects. The first animal to be domesticated was the dog, and recent directional breeding generated the extensive phenotypic variation among breeds we observe today. Here we use a novel endocranial dataset based on high-resolution CT scans to estimate brain size in 159 dog breeds and analyze how relative brain size varies across breeds in relation to functional selection, longevity, and litter size. In our analyses, we controlled for potential confounding factors such as common descent, gene flow, body size, and skull shape. We found that dogs have consistently smaller relative brain size than wolves supporting the domestication effect, but breeds that are more distantly related to wolves..., We processed the collection of dog skulls that is maintained at the Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest, Hungary). This private collection (owned by TC) is composed of specimens that have been obtained mostly in the last 10 years by the appropriate preparation of the heads of deceased dogs (which were donated post-mortem), from which the soft materials have been removed a priori. TC systematically collected the prepared skulls with the aim of having both male and female samples from as many breeds as possible. Breed identity was usually verified upon the collection of cadavers/skulls, given that these materials originate from known dog breeders. Alternatively, we checked the appropriate breed certificates/chips for pedigree. Currently, the collection consists of 383 individual skulls (including males, females and unknown sexes) from 146 breeds. We selected 172 skulls (38 females, 83 males and 50 unknown sexes) across all breeds repre..., Microsoft Excel, RÂ

USEPA collaborated on a project conducted by scientists at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Scientist used data to summarize: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Harmful Blue-green Algae Calls - United States and Canada during 2010 - 2022. This analysis resulted in the report: Geographic Variability, Seasonality, and Increase in ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Harmful Blue-green Algae Calls - United States and Canada, 2010 - 2022. Data characteristics include: day of animal poisoning report; state of call origination; and species. Key words include: blue-green algae; poisoning; animal. Data are owned by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center. Data are available from Nicole Martin at: Nicole.Martin@aspca.org. This dataset is not publicly accessible because: EPA cannot release personally identifiable information regarding living individuals, according to the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This dataset contains information about human research subjects. Because there is potential to identify individual participants and disclose personal information, either alone or in combination with other datasets, individual level data are not appropriate to post for public access. Restricted access may be granted to authorized persons by contacting the party listed. It can be accessed through the following means: Data are owned by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center. Data are available from Nicole Martin at: Nicole.Martin@aspca.org. Format: Names and addresses. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Bloch, R., E. Hilborn, G. Faulkner, T. Wismer, N. Martin, and S. Rhea. Geographic Variability, Seasonality, and Increase in ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Harmful Blue-Green Algae Calls—United States and Canada, 2010–2022. Toxins. MDPI, Basel, SWITZERLAND, 15(8): 505, (2023).

Pet GPS Collar Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Pet GPS Collar market size reached USD 735.4 million in 2024, reflecting a robust expansion driven by rising pet ownership and increasing demand for smart pet safety solutions. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period, projecting the market to attain a value of USD 2,087.6 million by 2033. This remarkable growth is primarily fueled by technological advancements in pet tracking devices, heightened awareness about pet health and safety, and the integration of IoT-enabled solutions for real-time monitoring.

One of the primary growth factors for the Pet GPS Collar market is the surge in pet adoption rates worldwide, particularly in urban regions where pets are increasingly considered family members. With the shift in demographic trends and lifestyle changes, pet owners are seeking advanced solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets. The rise in disposable income has further enabled consumers to invest in premium pet products, including smart collars equipped with GPS tracking, health monitoring, and activity tracking features. Moreover, the trend of pet humanization has led to a greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and safety, prompting pet owners to adopt technologically advanced collars that offer peace of mind and convenience.

Another significant driver shaping the Pet GPS Collar market is the rapid technological evolution in the field of wearable devices. The integration of GPS, RFID, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies into pet collars has revolutionized the way pet owners monitor and track their animals. These advancements have made it possible to access real-time location data, set safe zones, and receive instant alerts in case of pet escape or unusual activity. The proliferation of smartphones and mobile applications has further enhanced the usability of pet GPS collars, enabling seamless connectivity and user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, the emergence of cloud-based platforms and AI-powered analytics is providing valuable insights into pet behavior and health, thus adding value to the product offerings.

The market is also benefitting from increasing collaborations between pet accessory manufacturers and technology firms, leading to the development of innovative and multifunctional products. Companies are investing in research and development to introduce collars with extended battery life, waterproof designs, and improved durability to cater to the diverse needs of pet owners. Furthermore, the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of pet GPS collars, compare features, and make informed purchasing decisions. However, the market faces challenges such as high product costs, concerns over data privacy, and limited awareness in developing regions, which may hinder growth to some extent.

Regionally, North America dominates the Pet GPS Collar market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high adoption rate of smart pet accessories, strong presence of key market players, and favorable regulatory environment contribute to the region's leadership. Europe is witnessing steady growth due to increasing pet ownership and stringent animal welfare regulations, while the Asia Pacific market is expanding rapidly owing to rising urbanization, growing middle-class population, and increasing awareness about pet safety. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, albeit at a slower pace, due to improving economic conditions and changing consumer attitudes towards pet care.

Product Type Analysis

The Product Type segment in the Pet GPS Collar market encompasses smart collars, tracking collars, training collars, and others, each catering to distinct consumer needs and preferences. Smart collars have emerged as the most popular product type, driven by their multifunctional capabilities such as real-time GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and health diagnostics. These collars are often equipped with advanced sensors and connectivity features, allowing pet owners to monitor their pets' location, physical activity, and even vital signs through mobile applications. The increasing demand for integrated solutions that offer both safety and health monitoring is propelling the growth of smart collars, especially among t

Little is known about Native American adaptations to blood-sucking arthropods prior to and following European contact. Multiple accounts starting in the 16th century suggest that rancid animal grease was employed by Gulf Coast indigenes as a mosquito repellent. Although many Native American ethnobotanical remedies for biting insects have been recorded, the use of animal products for this purpose is not well documented. Moreover, few traditional Native American mosquito repellents have been examined using controlled laboratory methods for repellency testing. In this study, we tested the repellent efficacy of fats derived from alligator, bear, cod, and shark that were aged to various stages of rancidity. Using yellow fever mosquitoes, (Aedes aegypti), we performed an arm-in-cage assay to measure the complete protection times resulted from these fats, when applied to human skin. We used a Y-tube olfactometer assay to evaluate long-distance repellency and tested tick-repellency in a crawling assay. Our results suggest that rancid animal fats from cod, bear, and alligator are potent albeit short-lived mosquito repellents. We found that both rancid and fresh fats do not repel ticks. Our findings show the validity of traditional ethnozoological knowledge of Native American people and support aspects of the ethnohistorical record.

Proportion of all household dog-associated poisoning calls to the APCCa related to an opioid or cannabinoid in each continental US state (2005–2014).