How many dogs are there in the US? According to a pet owners survey, there were approximately 89.7 million dogs owned in the United States in 2017. This is an increase of over 20 million since the beginning of the survey period in 2000, when around 68 million dogs were owned in the United States.

Why has this figure increased?

The resident population of the United States has also increased significantly within this time period. It is, therefore, no surprise that the number of dogs owned in U.S. households has also increased, especially when considering that the household penetration rate for dog-ownership reached almost 50 percent in recent years.

The dog food market in the United States

The large number of dogs owned by Americans creates a lucrative market for pet food brands and retailers. Pedigree, the leading dry dog food name brand in the U.S., had sales amounting to around 550 million U.S. dollars in 2017. Pedigree also led the pack in the wet dog food category , with sales of around 240 million U.S. dollars in the same year.

Idaho had the highest dog ownership rate in the United States (U.S.), with ** percent of households owning a dog in 2025. In Tennessee, around ** percent of households were dog owners in that year. Dog food industry in the U.S. The sales value of dog food in the U.S. amounts to a total of approximately **** billion U.S. dollars annually, excluding treats. Among the various dog food categories, dry dog food makes up the largest share of sales, with just under ***** billion U.S. dollars. The leading dog biscuit, treat, and beverage vendor in the U.S. in terms of sales is Big Heart Pet Brands, which generates sales of over * billion U.S. dollars annually. The sales of Big Heart Pet Brands are more than twice as much as those of its biggest competitor, Nestlé Purina PetCare. The leading frozen and refrigerated dog food vendors in the U.S. is Freshpet. The company dominates the market by a considerable margin. Dog ownership in the U.S. Nationwide, approximately ** million U.S. households own at least one dog. Dogs are the most widely owned type of pet among American households. Within the last 12 years, the number of dog-owning households grew by more than ** percent. In general, there has been an increase in the household penetration rate of pet ownership in the U.S. during the last 35 years. In 2023, about ********** of households owned at least one pet. Since the state of Idaho has the highest percentage share of dog owners among U.S. states, it is unsurprising that its state capital, the city of Boise, has the largest number of dog parks per 100,000 residents in the country. There are *** off-leash dog parks per 100,000 residents in Boise, Idaho.

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.

This driver analyzes the number of domesticated pets and companion animals owned in the US. Pets, defined in this driver as either cats or dogs, provide personal company or protection but are not considered working animals or livestock. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) conducts a biennial National Pet Owners Survey, and the data used in the survey regarding cat and dog ownership is collected and discussed here.

In 2018, Brazil was the country with the highest amount of dogs from the presented Latin American countries, with **** million dogs. Mexico followed, with **** million. In 2021, the pet food market in Latin America is expected to reach a value of nearly ** billion U.S. dollars.

Data on annual population change for prairie dogs in Montana and Utah, USA, 2000-2005. Prairie dog species included black-tailed prairie dogs (PDs) (BTPD, Cynomys ludovicianus) in north-central Montana, white-tailed PDs (WTPD, Cynomys leucurus) in eastern Utah, and Utah PDs (UPD, Cynomys parvidens) in southwestern Utah. Field research was completed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, and colleagues. Data were collected on paired plots. Each pair included a plot treated annually with deltamethrin dust for flea control and plague mitigation and a plot left untreated as baselines. Paired plots had similar ecological features on the same (split) or nearby (separate) colonies. One plot within each pair was randomly selected for deltamethrin dust treatment. We used summertime visual counts as an index to PD population size.We conducted visual counts annually during June-August, after young PDs were aboveground. We used binoculars and spotting scopes to systematically and repeatedly scan the plots (each plot was 3-9 hectares in area), beginning just after sunrise and continuing until warming temperatures caused a decline in counts. We repeated the procedure for three days, using for analysis the highest count obtained. We counted from the same locations each year, simultaneously counting treated and non-treated plots of each pair. Visual counts were transformed into values of finite population change by dividing the PD count at the end of an annual interval by the count at the beginning of the interval. For example, if year is 2001, then population change was for the interval 2000 to 2001. Primary funding was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bureau of Land Management, supplemented by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Department of Natural Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund. In-kind support was provided by the Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest and BLM offices in Utah (Vernal, Cedar City, Richfield, and Torrey), Colorado (Meeker), and Montana (Malta). R. Reading and B. Miller of the Denver Zoological Foundation provided logistical support for parts of the study.

In the United States, more than half of the population reported owning a pet in 2011. This number has been quite steady since then. Today there are more than 90 million cats in the United States, while the number of dogs is just below the 90 million-mark. Freshwater fish are the most common pet with almost 140 million nationwide in 2018, followed by the aforementioned cats and dogs.   Pet expenses    When it comes to expenses, fish are generally considered low maintenance compared to other pets. Dogs especially require high expense, particularly for kennel boarding while their owners are away. However, the highest costs for dog owners are due to surgical vet visits, reported at almost double the expense for cats in 2019. Lower life expectancy could be a factor - around 11 years for a medium-sized dog, compared with 12 to 15 years for cats.  
  Pet food  

Food is currently the largest expense for cat owners, and the second highest for dogs, not even including treats. Despite the convenience of buying pet food online, or while already grocery shopping in a supermarket, food store, or wholesale club, the highest share of pet food sales comes from pet specialty chains. With many owners are willing to make the extra trip for their pets, chain shops Pet Smart and PetCo make up almost half the market for pet companies in the United States.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Dog & Pet Breeders industry in the US

In 2023, Germany had the highest pet dog population in the European Union, with more than 10 million dogs. Spain ranked second with a dog population of 9.3 million. Other countries, like Greece and Denmark, had comparatively smaller dog populations of approximately 655,000 and 643,000, respectively. Pet dogs in Europe The number of pet dogs in Europe has witnessed a notable increase since 2010, increasing from around 73 million in 2010 to more than 92 million in 2021. This positive trend was accompanied by a similar growth in the number of pet-owning households in Europe, which has increased by an estimated 20 million in the period between 2010 and 2021. Pet food industry in Europe Despite a marked increase in the dog population along with the number of pet-owning households in Europe, this has not been translated in a similarly significant increase in pet food sales in the continent. The annual sales volume of pet food products remained relatively stable in the last decade, until increasing in 2021 to about 10.2 million tons of pet food products. The largest pet food manufacturer in Europe was the Belgian company United Petfood Producers, with an annual revenue stream of approximately 800 million U.S. dollars in 2021.

The US Pet Industry Market Report is Segmented by Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Bird, Fresh Water Fish, and More), by Product Type (Food, Supplies/OTC Medicine, and Services), by Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Pet Specialty Stores, Online Retail Stores, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The dog and pet breeding industry has shown an increasing focus on ethical practices and transparency, driven by public demand for humane treatment of animals. The traditional market dynamics are changing with more people choosing shelters over breeders. High-value purebred breeds still appeal because of their predictable traits, yet the growing popularity of adoption campaigns emphasizes the need for breeders to differentiate their offerings and enhance their reputation. Many businesses adapt through genetic testing, providing health guarantees that build consumer confidence and align with responsible pet ownership trends. This evolution reflects both challenges and opportunities for breeders. Through the end of 2025, industry revenue is expected to drop at an annualized rate of 0.5% to $4.0 billion, including an estimated 1.2% drop in 2025. Over the past five years, profitability in the breeding field has experienced pressure from changing consumer preferences and rising operational costs. Adoption trends have steered potential pet owners away from purebred purchases, impacting revenue streams. Despite this, focusing on high-value breeds with specific desirable traits has allowed breeders to maintain a high profit. Breeders control expenses by minimizing wage outlay in small operations by relying on family labor, while larger breeders invest more in their workforce. Depreciation and purchase costs remain central concerns, particularly with rare breeds demanding higher initial investments and specialized care. Marketing strategies have shifted online, leveraging social media to reach broader audiences without inflating budgets and maintaining an efficient cost-to-revenue ratio. Looking ahead over the next five years, the pet breeding industry is projected to evolve under growing regulatory scrutiny and public awareness. Regulatory bodies are expected to impose stricter standards, pushing breeders to enhance welfare practices and ensure compliance. This shift may encourage breeders to communicate their ethical practices more transparently. Concurrently, demographic changes and urbanization trends influence consumer behavior. Younger generations often favor experiences over long-term commitments, suggesting a potential market for temporary pet ownership models. As urban living constrains traditional pet adoption, there is potential for breeders to adapt with apartment-friendly pets or virtual care services. While profitability might face challenges because of escalating costs in veterinary services and pet essentials, focusing on strategic pricing, community engagement and digital marketing could help sustain growth and align with evolving consumer values. Through the end of 2030, industry revenue is projected to fall at an annualized rate of 1.9% to $3.6 billion.

The size of the U.S. Pet Insurance Market market was valued at USD 3.82 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 11.81 billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 17.5 % during the forecast period. The U. S. Pet Insurance Market currently refers to the insurance products that offer the reimbursement of the veterinary costs for the pets such as dogs and cats. Usually, these insurance plans offer medical expenses including general check up, operations, prescriptions, and accidental expenses. Growth in the number of pet owners have high expectations of their pets and an increase in the price of veterinary services are some of the driving forces of the market. Some of the trends include, increase in choices available such as wellness plans and chronic disease coverage, and changes in technology that makes the process easier through online policy and claim processing. Also there are trends towards more individualized approach, as well as more focused on prevention services, which can be regarded as a part of the overall tendency towards better pet wellness and improving quality of care. Recent developments include: In January 2024, Nationwide Pet Insurance and Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. have introduced a new pet health insurance product that can be tailored to individual needs on petco.com. The goal of this collaboration is to offer cost-effective and comprehensive solutions for pet health, wellness, and protection. , In February 2023, Embrace Pet Insurance revealed a renewed brand image, which mirrors the firm’s dedication to promoting pet health and enhancing the experience of pet owners. The company states that Embrace’s updated appearance is rooted in genuineness and motivated by the aspiration to articulate reinforced principles that align more intimately with the brand. , In November 2021, AXIS Insurance, a specialized insurance division of AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd., has declared its entry into the pet insurance sector through its Accident and Health unit, in a strategic partnership with the managing general underwriter, Petplan. AXIS Insurance will offer underwriting capabilities for all-inclusive pet insurance policies for dogs and cats in the U.S. and Canada. , In June 2020, Trupanion entered a partnership with Vetter Software, a firm that offers technology solutions for pet healthcare. This collaboration involved integrating Vetter Software’s cloud-based veterinary practice management platform with Trupanion’s software, which facilitates direct payment to the vet at the time of check-out. .

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...

Active Dog Licenses. All dog owners residing in NYC are required by law to license their dogs. The data is sourced from the DOHMH Dog Licensing System (https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/DogLicense), where owners can apply for and renew dog licenses. Each record represents a unique dog license that was active during the year, but not necessarily a unique record per dog, since a license that is renewed during the year results in a separate record of an active license period. Each record stands as a unique license period for the dog over the course of the yearlong time frame.

Wyoming had the highest pet ownership rate in the United States, with ** percent of households owning a pet in 2025. West Virginia came in second place with a ** percent pet ownership rate. In comparison, Colorado's pet ownership rate that year was ** percent.

The number of pure breeds registered and the most commonly used breed for each category of work.

Introduction

The Global Pet Sitting Market is forecasted to grow significantly, expanding from US$ 2.4 billion in 2022 to an estimated US$ 6.4 billion by 2032, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.50%. This surge is underpinned by several pivotal trends and market dynamics that are shaping consumer behaviors and lifestyles.

A notable increase in pet ownership globally serves as a fundamental driver of the pet sitting market. The rising number of pets has led to increased expenditure on pet care services, including professional sitting. Additionally, lifestyle shifts, such as higher travel frequency and returning to office-based work post-pandemic, have bolstered the demand for reliable pet sitting services that align with busy schedules.

The market is experiencing diversification in service offerings, extending beyond traditional sitting to include pet transportation, grooming, and specialized care for a variety of animals. This expansion caters to a broader spectrum of needs and enhances consumer convenience and satisfaction. Furthermore, the integration of technology and enhanced safety protocols, such as contactless services and digital payment options, are making pet sitting services more accessible and appealing.

Professionalization within the industry is also evident, with pet sitters achieving significant financial success, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth is supported by resources and networks provided by organizations such as Pet Sitters International, which aid in elevating the professionalism and skills of pet sitters. Moreover, targeted services that cater to specific pet and owner needs are distinguishing offerings in a competitive market, enabling providers to capture niche segments.

Recent developments include PetBacker’s update to their mobile app in September 2024, designed to improve user interaction and streamline the booking process. In April 2024, Swifto raised $2.5 million to further enhance technological integration within their services. Additionally, Pets at Home acquired The Vet Connection in November 2023, expanding their digital capabilities to include remote veterinary consultations, which significantly enhances their service portfolio. These strategic moves highlight the sector's adaptability and drive for innovation, reinforcing a robust growth trajectory for the pet sitting industry.

Summary data for dogs denied entry to the United States by year, January 1, 2018—December 31,2020.

IntroductionLarge scale data on the prevalence of diverse medical conditions among dog breeds in the United States are sparse. This cross-sectional study sought to estimate the lifetime prevalence of medical conditions among US dogs and to determine whether purebred dogs have higher lifetime prevalence of specific medical conditions compared to mixed-breed dogs.MethodsUsing owner-reported survey data collected through the Dog Aging Project (DAP) Health and Life Experience Survey for 27,541 companion dogs, we identified the 10 most commonly reported medical conditions in each of the 25 most common dog breeds within the DAP cohort. Lifetime prevalence estimates of these medical conditions were compared between mixed-breed and purebred populations. The frequency of dogs for whom no medical conditions were reported was also assessed within each breed and the overall mixed-breed and purebred populations.ResultsA total of 53 medical conditions comprised the top 10 conditions for the 25 most popular breeds. The number of dogs for whom no medical conditions were reported was significantly different (p = 0.002) between purebred (22.3%) and mixed-breed dogs (20.7%). The medical conditions most frequently reported within the top 10 conditions across breeds were dental calculus (in 24 out of 25 breeds), dog bite (23/25), extracted teeth (21/25), osteoarthritis (15/25), and Giardia (15/25).DiscussionPurebred dogs in the DAP did not show higher lifetime prevalence of medical conditions compared to mixed-breed dogs, and a higher proportion of purebred dogs than mixed-breed dogs had no owner-reported medical conditions. Individual breeds may still show higher lifetime prevalence for specific conditions.

Dataset Card for Cats Vs. Dogs

  Dataset Summary

A large set of images of cats and dogs. There are 1738 corrupted images that are dropped. This dataset is part of a now-closed Kaggle competition and represents a subset of the so-called Asirra dataset. From the competition page:

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… See the full description on the dataset page: https://huggingface.co/datasets/microsoft/cats_vs_dogs.