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.

********* percent of households in the United States owned one or more pets in 2023/2024. Household penetration rates for pet-ownership have increased by ** percent since the beginning of the survey period in 1988. What kinds of pets do Americans prefer? There were estimated to be around ** million dog-owning households in the United States according to a recent survey, making dogs the most popular kind of pets in American homes. Cats and freshwater fish ranked in second and third places, respectively. Horses and saltwater fish were the least popular types of animals to keep, with around *** million households owning each type of pet. How much do Americans spend on their pets? Total pet industry expenditure reached around ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, an increase from the previous year. As well as regular expenses such as food and vet costs, households were estimated to spend around *** billion U.S. dollars on Valentine's Day gifts for their pets in 2023.

Introduction

Pet Ownership Statistics: Pet ownership has become very common around the world in 2024. Many people enjoy having pets like dogs, cats, birds, or fish as part of their family. Pets offer companionship, reduce stress, and can make people feel happier. For some, pets provide emotional support or help with daily tasks, especially for people with special needs.

People owning a pet also come with responsibilities, like providing food, regular checkups at the vet, and proper care. Pet owners need to be prepared for the time, money, and attention they need to live healthy and happy lives.

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.

As of 2023, an estimated *** million European households owned at least one pet. During the last decade, the number of pet-owning households has increased by approximately ** million. Pets in the European Union The most popular pets in the European Union (EU) are cats. There are approximately ****** more cats than dogs in the EU. Besides cats and dogs, other popular pets are ornamental birds, such as canaries, parakeets, parrots, and small mammals, like mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. The number of cats in Europe has steadily increased during the last decade. In 2010, there were about ****** cats in Europe. By 2021, this figure had reached over *******. A similar trend has been observed in the number of dogs in Europe. Cats in the European Union While cats are popular companions for households in many EU countries, Germany and France have the highest numbers of cats among EU countries by a considerable margin. However, these countries are also the most populous in the EU. Taking a look at the share of households who own at least one cat in the EU shows that the share of cat lovers in Romania is the highest. Almost half of Romanian households own a cat. The share of cat-owning households seems to be comparatively high in many eastern European countries.

The share of households owning a pet in the United Kingdom remained relatively stable between 2012 and 2018, hovering around an estimated percentage of 47 to 45 percent. However, pet ownership levels peaked to an unprecedented high of 62 percent in 2022, likely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and increased time spent at home. In 2023, this figure shrank to 57 percent.

Pet ownership in the UK With more than half of UK households owning at least one pet in 2021/22, dogs and cats were the most common household pets in that year, with an estimated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats living in homes. As of 2020, the United Kingdom was the second highest-ranking European country in terms of its dog population, preceded only by Germany.

Consumer spending on pets in the UK As the pet population in the United Kingdom increased in size, so did consumer spending on pet food and pet-related products and services. Spending on pets and related products reached almost eight billion British pounds in 2020, a notable increase from a mere 2.9 billion British pounds in 2005. Among the most expensive pet-related expenditures are veterinary and pet services, which constituted almost four billion British pounds in 2020.

Introduction

Pet Insurance Statistics: Pet insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to help pet owners manage the costs associated with veterinary care for their pets.

It provides financial protection in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries to pets. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance policies come with various coverage options, deductibles, and premium rates.

This statistic shows the share of pet owners in the population of selected countries all over the world as of 2016. During the survey, ** percent of respondents in Argentina stated they own a dog, while ** percent said they own a cat.

Context...

Ever wondered the what and where of dog ownership? So have we!

Content...

Have a look at a sample set of South Australian and Victorian animal registration data. Data is publicly available from the data.gov.au website under a creative commons licence. Information includes: breed, location, desexed and colour. Datasets are for the 2015, 2016 & 2017 periods (depending on availability). SA information has been consolidated in ~82,500 lines of data!

Acknowledgements...

A big thank you to the SA and Victorian shires for having such great datasets!

Inspiration...

We love dogs and really want to understand the distribution of pets across SA and Victoria. We will leave it up to you the insights you want to create!

During a survey conducted in 2024, it was revealed that millennials represented the biggest share of pet owners in the United States (** percent), followed in second place by Generation X (** percent). Baby Boomer's came in third, representing some ** percent of pet owners. Pet ownership in the United States Despite some fluctuations, household penetration rates for pet ownership in the United States have generally increased over the years, going from ** percent in 1988 to approximately ** percent in 2023. With millennials constituting the largest group of pet owners in the United States, they also constituted the generational group that planned to spend the most on their pets during the holidays in 2020, with an average spending of ** U.S. dollars, compared to only ** U.S. dollars of average planned spending on pets for Baby Boomers. Pet expenditure in the U.S. Pet food and treats constituted the highest selling category for pet products in the United States, with total food and treats sales reaching **** billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Vet care and product sales were the second biggest pet market category that year, generating around **** billion U.S. dollars in sales. Generally, average annual pet expenditure was higher for dog owners than for cat owners across all pet market categories in 2020.

In the rapidly expanding global pet market, TGM Research has conducted a multi-country survey to capture dynamic shifts in pet owner behavior. Explore powerful insights with TGM's Pet Care Report in Vietnam 2024, your gateway to unlocking lucrative opportunities and innovative approaches in the pet industry. Don't miss out on data that could redefine your business approach and propel your decisions to new heights.

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Pet Sitting Market Size 2024-2028

The pet sitting market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.57 billion at a CAGR of 9.87% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. First, the rising trend of pet humanization has led to increased pet ownership and spending on pets. Pet types encompass a wide range, from small mammals and birds to freshwater fish, smart pet livestock, and exotic pets. As pet owners prioritize their pets' wellbeing, they seek professional pet sitting services for care visits during their absence. Service types include regular check-ins, feeding, administering medication, and playtime. Compliance with stringent regulations and certifications is essential for pet sitting businesses to ensure the highest level of care and safety for pets. These factors collectively contribute to the market's growth and ongoing demand for professional services.

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The pet sitting market is thriving as more pet owners seek reliable care for their furry companions. With the return-to-work trend, many retired people and students are turning to pet sitting services to accommodate their busy lifestyles. This growing demand has led to increased spending of consumers on quality pet care. In particular, the pet care cost associated with hiring a service provider can vary, but it ensures pets are well cared for while owners travel or work. Furthermore, societal shifts in pet acceptance have made pets a central part of many households, leading to a rise in the need for professional care. Ultimately, the pet sitting market reflects the evolving relationship between humans and their animal companions, providing peace of mind for pet owners.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Dogs
  Cats


Service

  Care visits
  Drop-in visits


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The dogs segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market experiences significant growth due to the increasing popularity of dogs as pets and the resulting demand for pet care services. Dogs, the most commonly owned pets worldwide, are sought after for their ability to alleviate feelings of loneliness, reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, and promote physical activity and cardiovascular health. Additionally, dogs serve as valuable companions for children and the elderly, instilling responsibility, kindness, and empathy.

Additionally, pet owners require pet sitting services, including daycare visits and dog walking, when they are unable to be at home. Animal-borne disorders, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, can necessitate the need for pet sitting services, further driving market growth. The rise of e-commerce platforms has also made it easier for pet owners to access a wide range of pet grooming products and services online, contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, legislation and regulations governing pet care and pet sitting services may vary by region, segmenting the market by pet type and location.

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The dogs segment was valued at USD 1.31 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America is estimated to contribute 41% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market, a significant sector within the pet care industry, experiences substantial growth, particularly in North America. With the US, Canada, and Mexico leading the way, this region hosts the largest number of pets and pet-sitting services worldwide. Factors such as the affordability of these services and the availability of experienced, full-time providers contribute significantly to the market's expansion in North America.

Additionally, increasing awareness among pet owners regarding various pet sitting options, including daycare visits and dog walking, further fuels market growth. Animal-borne disorders like abdominal pain and diarrhea necessitate the need for professional pet care services, leading to increased demand for pet sitting. Legislation mandating proper care for pets during their owners' absences also supports the market's growth.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of

Describing the relationship with one’s cat in human terms might reflect an underlying anthropomorphic view of the relationship which might be associated with an owner’s behavior towards their cat and the cat’s living environment. Owners self-categorized the relationship with their cat as either a ‘member of the family’, ‘as a child’, ‘best friend’, or ‘a pet animal’. The extent to which owner- and cat-related factors influence these four relationship descriptions are examined in survey data of approximately 1800 cat owners. Differences in outdoor access, care during absence of the owner, and access to the bedroom are examined between the four relationship perceptions. The owner’s age and household composition, ideas about their cat’s equality, support, and dependency, and whether their cat is a pedigree were significantly associated with relationship description and explained 46% of the variance. Owners who perceive their cat as a child or best friend see their cat as loyal, empathetic, equal to family, and dependent on them for love and care. Their cats are less often left in the care of others, are allowed more often in the bedroom and have less often (unrestricted) outdoor access. Moreover, cats perceived as children are more likely to live in a multi-cat household. Our results provide insight in the factors that are related to different (anthropomorphic) perceptions of the human–cat relationship and how perceptions relate to the living environment of cats.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Alliance for Responsible Pet Owners Inc.

Hungary had the highest share of dog-owning households in the European Union, with almost half of the population owning at least one dog in 2023. Other countries, like Poland and Romania, had a little more than a third of households with at least one pet dog. Pet ownership in Europe Germany had the highest pet dog population in Europe, with more than ten million dogs in 2022. In comparison, Romania had approximately 4.2 million dogs in that same year. However, pet dog ownership was more prevalent among Romanian households, where 43 percent of households owned at least one dog in 2022, compared to only 21 percent of German households who were dog owners in that same year. In the last decade, both the number of pet cats and pet dogs increased significantly in Europe. Pet food trade Due to a growing pet population in the European continent, the pet industry flourished, and pet food trade is one indicator of that growth. The import value of cat and dog food more than tripled in the last decade, increasing from 480 million U.S. dollars in 2011 to over 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. European exports of pet food followed a similar trend, reflecting a general expansion in pet food industry and trade in Europe.

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.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many industries in significant ways, including the pet industry. During a survey carried out in February 2022, ** percent of respondents in the United States reported acquiring a new pet. This is an increase of **** percent compared to December 2020, when ** percent of respondents reported getting a new pet. Pet ownership during the pandemic With nationwide lockdowns forcing people to spend most of their time confined at home, approximately ** percent of Americans from all generations surveyed in 2020 reported spending more time with their pets as a result of social distancing regulations. Additionally, the pandemic had its impact on the economic situation of millions of people who may have struggled with precarious work or part-time employment that was discontinued due to lockdowns, which made many pet owners concerned about the affordability of pet food and products. In fact, younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials in the United States were more likely than Baby Boomers to be worried about pet expenses during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Pet industry in the United States Pet industry expenditure in the United States has witnessed remarkable growth over the years and was forecast to reach nearly *** billion U.S. dollars in 2021, up from less than half that figure only ten years prior when it was approximately ** billion U.S. dollars in 2011. Among the most prominent players in the U.S. pet industry are pet food companies Mars Petcare Inc. and Nestlé Purina Petcare, generating ** billion and ** billion U.S. dollars in revenues, respectively.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Capitola Dog Owners Group

Are cats winning the battle against dogs? If dogs are man’s best friend, it seems that the small feline has a big space in French people’s households. In 2022, a third of households owned a cat in France, whereas ** percent of them declared owning a pet dog. This is a cat’s world   Similarly, there were more cat owners in Belgium, in Denmark and Germany, than dog owners. Although this may be true, in Spain and the United Kingdom, people were more frequently dog owners than cat owners. Nonetheless, in the U.K the number of pet cats was on the rise, there were ** million cats registered in 2021-2022. Cat-ching!   In the United Kingdom, the lifetime cost of keeping a cat was ****** British pounds, which was slightly higher than the cost of keeping a dog. On the opposite side, in the United States, annual expenses for cats were lower than expenses for dogs. Pet owners are keen to celebrate with their animals as a significant share makes the effort to purchase gifts for them on special occasions.

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.