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.

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.

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.

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.

********* 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.

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.

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.

Pet stores prospered in recent years as households have become more financially stable and pet ownership has risen. Pet parents have increasingly lavished their pets with premium food products, designer pet accessories and luxury grooming services. The industry has expanded despite mounting competition from supermarkets, mass merchandisers and online retailers. These competitors offer similar products at greater convenience and competitive prices. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores have successfully positioned themselves as pioneers and exclusive providers of high-quality food and additional service offerings, like grooming or day care. Pet store revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 0.3% to $31.6 billion through the end of 2025, including growth of 1.4% in 2025 alone. The revenue growth rate was suppressed because revenue jumped 18.6% to begin the period, as pet ownership skyrocketed in response to the pandemic. Since pets are widely viewed as family members, pet owners have shifted their preferences to higher-quality organic, gluten-free and grain-free pet foods to keep their pets happy and healthy. These premium products and services are high-margin, enabling profit gains for pet stores. Sales of designer dog breeds have also jumped in recent years, contributing to recent growth. While stores have capitalized on growing pet ownership trends, pet store sales growth was constrained by online retailers' surging popularity. Moving forward, pet stores will continue to exhibit revenue growth, albeit slower than before. While positive consumer trends will benefit pet stores, competition from online retailers, mass merchandisers and discount department stores will be more vigorous, limiting the expansion. An aging population will contribute to higher sales of pets and pet-related products as older consumers adopt pets to fulfill their needs for companionship. Younger consumers will continue to buy pets as companions and to round out their budding families. Stores will push premium products and pets to cater to growing appetites for luxury among many consumers. Pet store revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 2.4% to $35.6 billion through the end of 2030.

This report summarizes the results from the 2010 black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomus ludovicianus) population survey at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This survey is conducted to monitor trends in abundance and distribution of black-tailed prairie dogs on Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Annual black-tailed prairie dog population surveys are conducted after young-of-the-year prairie dogs have emerged from their burrows and yearlings have dispersed (mid-June to late August). Prairie dog abundance and distribution is reported for the refuge.

Over the five years to 2024, increases in both competition and public disapproval have threatened the Dog and Pet Breeders industry. This industry includes various operations, from small independent home breeders to large USDA-certified breeding facilities. However, the industry also comprises unlicensed puppy mills, often using inhumane practices to reduce costs and maximize profit. Recent attention to these operations has hurt the overall industry's reputation. In 2017, the "Adopt, Don't Shop" campaign emphasized the ethical benefits of getting pets from shelters and adoption groups rather than pet stores. This campaign has led many pet stores to no longer work with breeders and instead host adoption events with local shelters. Through the end of 2024, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.6% to $3.1 billion, including an estimated 0.9% decline in 2024. The breeding industry's trajectory has been mixed with challenges. Stringent regulations like those mandated by the Animal Welfare Act have kept most breeders operating on a small scale, with only a tiny fraction exceeding the threshold for requiring USDA licensing. The public's growing scrutiny of puppy mills and other inhumane conditions has pressured breeders to maintain higher quality standards. Some medium-sized breeders will likely seek USDA certification to improve their reputation and gain legitimacy. Higher standards and requirements will enable these breeders to increase their profits. Heightening veterinary services and pet essentials costs will likely strain household budgets, leading to more careful spending on pet purchases. Demographic trends suggest older populations might shy away from new pets, while younger generations lean towards pet adoption, driven by ethical considerations. Legislative pressures and higher public awareness are expected to push the industry towards more stringent welfare standards. While adoption campaigns and regulatory constraints present formidable challenges, purebred breeders may still find sustained demand from consumers looking for specific traits and appearance. Through the end of 2029, industry revenue is projected to fall at an annualized rate of 0.4% to $3.0 billion.

The US pet industry, a significant segment of the global market, exhibits robust growth potential. With a 2025 market size estimated at $100 billion (extrapolated from global data and considering the US market's substantial share), it’s projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 5% through 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers: the increasing humanization of pets, leading to higher spending on premium pet food and healthcare; the growing popularity of pet insurance, mitigating the financial burden of veterinary care; and the rise of e-commerce, offering convenient access to a wider range of pet products. Furthermore, shifting demographics, including a rise in single-person households and an aging population, contribute to the expanding pet ownership base, further boosting market demand. Significant growth is expected across various segments. The premium pet food segment, encompassing both dog and cat food, is expected to experience above-average growth, driven by consumer preference for higher-quality, natural ingredients. Similarly, the pet healthcare segment, including veterinary services and over-the-counter medications, is projected to expand significantly due to increasing pet lifespan and a greater focus on preventative care. Online retail channels will continue to gain market share, facilitated by enhanced convenience and competitive pricing. While economic downturns could pose a temporary restraint, the overall resilience of the pet industry, particularly concerning essential products like food, suggests continued growth trajectory. Key players, including Mars, Nestlé Purina, and Hill's Pet Nutrition, are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on these trends through product innovation, expansion into new segments, and acquisition of smaller brands. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.March 2023: Temptations, a brand under Mars Incorporated, expanded its treats offerings with a new product called Temptation Tender Fills treats and two new flavors of its Temptations Creamy Purrrr-ee treats.February 2023: Nestle SA acquired the US pet treats factory from investor-backed local supplier Red Collar Pet Foods to expand its pet food business in North America.. Notable trends are: Dogs are the Major Pets in the United States.

Personalized Dog Collar Market Outlook

The personalized dog collar market size was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% during the forecast period. This growth is mainly driven by increasing pet ownership, particularly dogs, and the rising trend of personalizing pet accessories for identification and aesthetic purposes. With more people viewing pets as family members, there is a higher willingness to spend on customized and unique pet products, thereby fueling market expansion.

One of the primary growth factors of the personalized dog collar market is the increasing number of pet owners globally. In countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and China, pet adoption rates have surged, spurred by the companionship needs highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, millennials and Gen Z demographics, who form a substantial segment of new pet owners, exhibit a strong preference for personalized, high-quality pet products. This demographic shift is contributing significantly to the market's robust growth trajectory.

Another critical factor driving market growth is technological advancements in the manufacturing and design of dog collars. Innovations such as GPS-enabled collars for tracking pets, RFID tags for identification, and even health-monitoring sensors are becoming mainstream. These advanced features cater to safety-conscious pet owners who seek to keep their pets safe and healthy. Furthermore, the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in production is gaining traction, aligning with the global push towards sustainability and attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

The rising trend of humanizing pets, where pets are treated almost like family members, is also contributing to market growth. This behavior shift is leading to increased spending on pet accessories, including personalized dog collars, which can be customized with names, contact information, and decorative elements. The premiumization of pet products, driven by growing disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences, is further propelling the market.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the personalized dog collar market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high disposable income, coupled with a large pet population in North America, is a significant growth factor. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate due to rising pet adoption rates and increasing disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan. The growing awareness about pet care and the availability of a wide range of personalized pet products are driving the market in these regions.

The concept of a Collar extends beyond mere functionality, serving as a symbol of a pet's identity and a reflection of the owner's personal style. In the personalized dog collar market, collars are not just tools for attachment but are crafted with a focus on aesthetics and individuality. Pet owners often seek collars that resonate with their personal tastes, opting for designs that range from minimalist to extravagant. This trend is further amplified by the availability of various materials and customization options, allowing for a tailored approach to pet accessories. As collars become more than just a necessity, they embody a blend of fashion and function, appealing to a diverse consumer base.

Product Type Analysis

The personalized dog collar market is segmented into various product types, including nylon collars, leather collars, fabric collars, metal collars, and others. Nylon collars are one of the most popular types due to their durability, affordability, and ease of customization. They are highly favored for their lightweight nature and resistance to wear and tear, which makes them suitable for everyday use. Furthermore, nylon collars can be easily personalized with embroidery and tags, making them a preferred choice among pet owners looking for both functionality and customization.

Leather collars represent another significant segment in the personalized dog collar market. These collars are often associated with premium quality and durability. Leather collars are popular among dog owners who prefer a more classic and stylish look for their pets. Additionally, leather can be easily customized with engraved metal tags, nameplates, or even hand-painted designs, providing a luxurious app

A number of wildlife species depend either directly or indirectly on the existence of prairie dogs. Rattlesnakes, desert cottontails, and burrowing owls use the burrows on prairie dog towns for cover and nesting, while many other birds utilize prairie dog towns as feeding and resting locations. Badgers, coyotes, weasels, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, golden eagles, ferruginous and a variety of other hawks all prey upon prairie dogs at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA). Black-tailed prairie dogs obviously hold an important position as a key species and as developer of their unique ecosystem on approximately 30 percent of RMA acreage. Visual counts of black-tailed prairie dogs were undertaken in summer 1987 by Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. (ESE) to estimate their population density and overall population at RMA. A subsequent study was completed by ESE in January 1988 to estimate the number of prairie dogs available as prey for raptors foraging on RMA, including the bald eagle. The objective of this study was to collect regional data on the population densities of black-tailed prairie dogs on RMA. Results will be used by the u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the prey base for bald eagles and other raptors, and by the U.S. Army to help assess and quantify the effects of Arsenal contamination on biota.

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.

Veterinary practices have benefited in recent years as more pet owners and agricultural producers seek out vets regularly to care for their animals. At the same time, medical advances have been emerging in veterinary care, extending care beyond preventive measures into specialized areas like immunotherapy and musculoskeletal conditions. Pet owners' evolving attitudes have also been driving pet spending in recent years, as more owners are willing to spend a premium on food, medicine or treatments that improve or extend their pets. Growing adoption of pet insurance, specifically for dogs, has also underpinned growth, as more owners can afford high-margin medical treatments. This willingness, combined with a record-high pet ownership rate, has strengthened the industry's in supporting pet owners. These trends have led industry-wide revenue to climb at a CAGR of 1.9% over the past five years – totaling an estimated $69.4 billion in 2025 – when revenue will rise an expected 2.4%. Pet ownership trends are among the most influential drivers for veterinary care in the US. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, nearly 70% of US households had at least one dog or cat in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, the dog population grew by over 12 million, while the cat population added nearly 16 million new cats. Higher pet ownership translates into a larger client base for vets, supporting revenue growth. Higher prices for vet visits have also contributed to the industry – data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the price for vet care rose faster than inflation between 2020 and 2024 and has jumped nearly 60% in cost between 2014 and 2024. Several factors contribute to price hikes, but higher costs are beginning to slow growth as pet owners defer the time between appointments, avoid elective visits or forgo ownership. Trends in pet ownership won't continue moving forward, creating a steady demand for comprehensive veterinary care. Still, the industry will face challenges addressing current headwinds, like labor shortages and rising operating costs. These challenges will likely maintain consolidation activity in the industry, creating a larger divide between corporate-owned or private equity-backed clinics and small, independent ones. Larger veterinary groups will also be able to offer more competitive wages to new graduates and access innovative tech advances, shifting competitive dynamics in the industry. In all, Veterinary Services' revenue is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% to $75.6 billion over the next five years.

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.

Data on body condition and reproduction of Utah prairie dogs at 5 colonies on the Awapa Plateau, Utah, USA, June-August 2013-2016. Utah prairie dogs were live-trapped and sampled on 5 colonies. We recorded the age (juvenile/adult) and mass (nearest 5 grams) of each prairie dog and marked its ears and body with metal tags and passive integrated transponders, respectively, for permanent identification. We measured each prairie dog's right hind foot length (nearest millimeter). We indexed each adult prairie dog's body condition as the ratio between its mass and hind-foot length. Prairie dogs were allowed to recover from anesthesia and released at their trapping locations. We indexed prairie dog reproduction, by colony and year, as the ratio of the number of juveniles per adult (juvenile:adult ratios). Funding and logistical support were provided by the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Colorado State University. Fieldwork was compl ...

The global pet market is estimated to be valued at USD 20.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 44.5 billion by 2035, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.

Attribute	Detail
Industry Size (2025)	USD 20.1 billion
Industry Size (2035)	USD 44.5 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	8.5%

Per Capita Spending on Pet Market

Country	United States
Population (millions)	345.4
Estimated Per Capita Spending (USD)	190.50

Country	China
Population (millions)	1,419.3
Estimated Per Capita Spending (USD)	78.20

Country	Germany
Population (millions)	84.1
Estimated Per Capita Spending (USD)	152.30

Country	United Kingdom
Population (millions)	68.3
Estimated Per Capita Spending (USD)	135.10

Country	Japan
Population (millions)	123.2
Estimated Per Capita Spending (USD)	110.40

Country-Wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	6.5%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United Kingdom	6.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Germany	6.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
India	7.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
China	7.4%

Knowledge on the genetic epidemiology of disorders in the dog population has implications for both veterinary medicine and sustainable breeding. Limited data on frequencies of genetic disease variants across breeds exists, and the disease heritage of mixed breed dogs remains poorly explored to date. Advances in genetic screening technologies now enable comprehensive investigations of the canine disease heritage, and generate health-related big data that can be turned into action. We pursued population screening of genetic variants implicated in Mendelian disorders in the largest canine study sample examined to date by examining around 83,000 mixed breed and 18,000 purebred dogs representing 330 breeds for 152 known variants using a custom-designed beadchip microarray. We further announce the creation of MyBreedData (www.mybreeddata.com), an online updated inherited disorder prevalence resource with its foundation in the generated data. We identified the most prevalent, and rare, disease susceptibility variants across the general dog population while providing the first extensive snapshot of the mixed breed disease heritage. Around 2 in 5 dogs carried at least one copy of a tested disease variant. Most disease variants are shared by both mixed breeds and purebreds, while breed- or line-specificity of others is strongly suggested. Mixed breed dogs were more likely to carry a common recessive disease, whereas purebreds were more likely to be genetically affected with one, providing DNA-based evidence for hybrid vigor. We discovered genetic presence of 22 disease variants in at least one additional breed in which they were previously undescribed. Some mutations likely manifest similarly independently of breed background; however, we emphasize the need for follow up investigations in each case and provide a suggested validation protocol for broader consideration. In conclusion, our study provides unique insight into genetic epidemiology of canine disease risk variants, and their relevance for veterinary medicine, breeding programs and animal welfare.

Host-range shifts in influenza virus are a major risk factor for pandemics. A key question in the study of emerging zoonoses is how the evolution of transmission efficiency interacts with heterogeneity in contact patterns in the new host species, as this interplay influences disease dynamics and prospects for control. Here we use a synergistic mixture of models and data to tease apart the evolutionary and demographic processes controlling a host-range shift in equine H3N8-derived canine influenza virus (CIV). CIV has experienced 15 years of continuous transfer among dogs in the United States, but maintains a patchy distribution, characterized by sporadic short-lived outbreaks coupled with endemic hotspots in large animal shelters. We show that CIV has a high reproductive potential in these facilities (mean R0 = 3.9) and that these hotspots act as refugia from the sparsely connected majority of the dog population. Intriguingly, CIV has evolved a transmission efficiency that closely matches the minimum required to persist in these refugia, leaving it poised on the extinction/invasion threshold of the host contact network. Corresponding phylogenetic analyses show strong geographic clustering in three US regions, and that the effective reproductive number of the virus (Re) in the general dog population is close to 1.0. Our results highlight the critical role of host contact structure in CIV dynamics, and show how host contact networks could shape the evolution of pathogen transmission efficiency. Importantly, efficient control measures could eradicate the virus, in turn minimizing the risk of future sustained transmission among companion dogs that could represent a potential new axis to the human-animal interface for influenza.