More than 71 million households (or 62% of Americans) have pets, up 17% from 61.2 million households in 1998, according to the American Pet Products Association. 
Households most commonly include cats (there are 94 million cats living in U.S. households) and dogs (78 million), but freshwater fish outnumber them (172 million), though only 13 million households have freshwater fish. Households with children account for 38% of pet-owning households, compared to 19% of American households without pets.
Americans will spend an estimated $47.7 billion on their pets in 2010, up 4.9% over 2009. That breaks down to:
• $18.3 billion on pet food;
• $12.8 billion on veterinary care;
• $11.0 billion on supplies and over the counter medicines;
• $3.5 billion on services, such as grooming and boarding; and
• $2.2 billion on live animal purchases.
Dog owners have a heavier financial burden to bear than cat owners, spending nearly twice as much each year on surgical vet visits, treats, and vitamins, as well as three times as much on grooming. Dog owners take their pet to the vet an average of 2.8 times a year, up 8% from 2006. Cat owners take their pet to the vet an average of 2.1 times a year, unchanged over the same period. Pet owners are willing to sacrifice for their pet’s health, with 13% of cat owners and 15% of dog owners choosing to tend to their pet’s health before their own.
Seven in 10 Americans (70%) say the recession has not impacted their decision to keep a pet, and 80% of pet owners say it has not affected the amount they spend on their pets. Even 62% of horse owners, which have the highest cost to bear, say the recession has not affected their spending on their pet.
Spending on pet food and treats grew 5.7% in the year ending January 23, 2010, according to Nielsen Company. While dry food accounts for the lion’s share of cat food spending, spending on moist food grew 56% over the year. Sales of wet cat food were flat. Dry food also accounts for the largest share of dog food spending, and posted the largest growth, up 11% over the year.
Pet owners most commonly found their animals at a shelter or rescue group (41%), followed by a breeder (35%), according to Boston Magazine. Fewer than one in 10 obtained pets from a family member or friend (9%), pet store (5%), as a stray (3%), or from a website (3%). The primary reason for choosing a particular pet was its disposition (55%), followed by its size (11%), pedigree (9%), young age (6%), and attractiveness (4%).
Nearly three in 10 pet owners agree that their pet understands what they feel (29%) and what they say (29%). The same proportion (29%) wouldn’t date a person that could not get along with their pet. [Pets, Consumer Spending & Attitudes]
Sources: “2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey,” American Pet Products Association, Bob Vetere, President, 255 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831; 203-532-3603; bob@americanpetproducts.org; www.americanpetproducts.org. Price: $795 for members or students; $1,695 for non-members.
“Pet Survey,” Boston Magazine, March 4, 2010, Jennifer Johnson, Managing Editor, 300 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115; 617-262-9700; jjohnson@bostonmagazine.com; www.bostonmagazine.com.
“Nielsen Homescan,” Nielsen Company, Todd Hale, SVP Consumer & Shopping Insights, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-9595; 646-654-5000; www.nielsen.com. Price: Call for information.
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