GITNUXREPORT 2026

Pet Owners Statistics

American pet ownership is widespread and deeply connected to family life and well-being.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2023, 66% of U.S. households owned a pet, totaling approximately 86.9 million households

Statistic 2

Millennials (aged 27-42) represent the largest share of pet owners at 33% of all U.S. pet owners

Statistic 3

92% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members, with higher rates among Gen Z at 97%

Statistic 4

Women are more likely to own pets than men, with 68% of female-headed households owning pets vs. 62% of male-headed

Statistic 5

Urban pet owners make up 53% of all pet-owning households, compared to 47% suburban/rural

Statistic 6

Households with children under 6 are 20% more likely to own a pet than childless households

Statistic 7

Baby Boomers (aged 59-77) own 27% of all pets despite being 20% of the population

Statistic 8

Hispanic Americans have a pet ownership rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 66%

Statistic 9

Single-person households own pets at a rate of 58%, often small dogs or cats

Statistic 10

Renters own pets at 56% rate vs. 71% for homeowners

Statistic 11

In 2023, 70% of U.S. pet owners are under 55 years old

Statistic 12

African American pet ownership rate is 45%, below national average

Statistic 13

College-educated owners 72% more likely to own premium pets

Statistic 14

LGBTQ+ households own pets at 78% rate, highest demographic

Statistic 15

Income over $100K households: 78% pet ownership

Statistic 16

Rural areas have 75% dog ownership rate vs. 30% urban cat preference

Statistic 17

62% of Gen Z own or plan to own pets

Statistic 18

Empty nesters own 2+ pets at 65% rate

Statistic 19

67% of pet owners report improved mental health from pet ownership

Statistic 20

Pet owners have 24% lower triglyceride levels and 30% higher HDL

Statistic 21

Dog walkers average 22% more physical activity daily

Statistic 22

Pet owners over 65 have 36% lower mortality risk post-heart attack

Statistic 23

Children with pets have 15% fewer sick days from school

Statistic 24

74% of elderly pet owners report less loneliness

Statistic 25

Therapy dogs reduce cortisol by 10% in stressed students

Statistic 26

Pet ownership linked to 11% lower depression rates

Statistic 27

Veterans with service dogs report 40% less PTSD symptoms

Statistic 28

Cat purring frequencies aid bone healing, 20-30 Hz range

Statistic 29

85% of pet owners sleep better with pets in bedroom

Statistic 30

Allergy risk decreases 33% in children raised with dogs

Statistic 31

Pet owners vaccinate 92% of dogs annually

Statistic 32

Pet owners 15% less likely to have heart disease

Statistic 33

Daily dog walking adds 3000 steps, 22 min exercise

Statistic 34

Pet interaction lowers blood pressure by 10 mmHg

Statistic 35

40% reduction in anxiety for pet owners during stress tests

Statistic 36

Autism children with therapy dogs improve social skills 50%

Statistic 37

Elderly fall risk down 30% with pet companions

Statistic 38

Oxytocin release 300% higher petting dogs

Statistic 39

ADHD kids with pets focus 20% better

Statistic 40

Cancer patients with pets survive 6 months longer avg

Statistic 41

71% of owners say pets reduce stress daily

Statistic 42

Pet owners BMI 1.1 points lower

Statistic 43

Annual wellness visits: 70% compliance for dogs

Statistic 44

In 2022, 48.6 million U.S. households owned dogs, representing 38% of all households

Statistic 45

Cat-owning households reached 29.2 million in 2022, or 23% of U.S. households

Statistic 46

Freshwater fish are owned by 11.5% of households, totaling 14.8 million households

Statistic 47

Bird ownership stands at 6.2 million households or 5%

Statistic 48

Reptile owners number 6.7 million households, 5% of total

Statistic 49

3.3 million households own saltwater fish

Statistic 50

Small animal ownership (rabbits, hamsters) is 6 million households

Statistic 51

Horse ownership is held by 1.6 million households

Statistic 52

Multi-pet households comprise 52% of pet-owning homes

Statistic 53

Dog-only households: 24 million, cat-only: 15 million, both: 13 million

Statistic 54

Puppy adoptions surged 20% in 2021 to 6.4 million dogs

Statistic 55

Kitten adoptions: 4.8 million in 2022

Statistic 56

Shelter adoptions account for 37% of dog acquisitions

Statistic 57

Breeder purchases: 21% of new dogs

Statistic 58

Found/stray acquisitions: 10% for dogs

Statistic 59

15.9 million households own two dogs

Statistic 60

8.1 million own three or more dogs

Statistic 61

Total pet population: 90 million dogs, 66 million cats in US 2023

Statistic 62

142 million freshwater fish owned

Statistic 63

20.4 million pet birds owned

Statistic 64

9.8 million pet reptiles

Statistic 65

24.3 million small animals

Statistic 66

2 million saltwater fish owned

Statistic 67

11.1 million horses owned by 2 million households

Statistic 68

49% of dog owners have one dog

Statistic 69

Pandemic pet adoptions: 10 million in 2020-2021

Statistic 70

Store/breeder dog purchases: 24%

Statistic 71

U.S. pet industry spending reached $136.8 billion in 2022

Statistic 72

Average annual spending per dog-owning household: $1,381

Statistic 73

Cat owners spend $878 annually on average

Statistic 74

Pet food sales: $58.1 billion in 2023, up 8% YoY

Statistic 75

Supplies/treats/OTC medicine: $30.5 billion

Statistic 76

Vet care and product sales: $35.9 billion in 2022

Statistic 77

Pet services (grooming, boarding): $10.4 billion

Statistic 78

Pet insurance premiums: $1.5 billion, growing 25% YoY

Statistic 79

Premium pet food market: $15 billion, 40% of total food sales

Statistic 80

Average vet visit cost: $48 for dogs, $44 for cats

Statistic 81

Emergency vet costs average $800-$1,500 per incident

Statistic 82

28% of owners buy pet insurance, avg premium $48/month

Statistic 83

Online pet product sales: 30% of total retail, $20B+

Statistic 84

Pet spending projected to $150B by 2024

Statistic 85

Dog food annual spend: $30 per dog weekly average

Statistic 86

Cat litter: $3.4 billion market

Statistic 87

Grooming services: $2.5B for dogs alone

Statistic 88

Boarding/kennel: $2.1 billion annually

Statistic 89

OTC meds: $2.1 billion

Statistic 90

Toys/accessories: $7.5 billion

Statistic 91

Live animal sales: $2.8 billion

Statistic 92

Avg flea/tick prevention: $250/year per pet

Statistic 93

Routine vet costs: $408/year for dogs

Statistic 94

86% of owners prioritize pet health spending

Statistic 95

Pet ownership expected to reach 75% of households by 2030

Statistic 96

Human-grade pet food market to grow 12% CAGR to $5B by 2027

Statistic 97

Telemedicine vet visits up 50% since 2020 to 20% of consults

Statistic 98

CBD pet products sales hit $1B in 2023, up 40%

Statistic 99

Senior pet care market growing 15% YoY due to aging population

Statistic 100

Exotic pet ownership rising 10% annually, reptiles up 25%

Statistic 101

Plant-based pet food sales up 30% in 2022

Statistic 102

Pet tech (wearables, cameras) market $4B, 25% growth

Statistic 103

Adoption over purchase: 50% by 2025 projection

Statistic 104

Multi-species households up 15% post-pandemic

Statistic 105

40% of Gen Z plan to own pets before kids

Statistic 106

Pet rent fees average $25/month in 30% of rentals

Statistic 107

Direct-to-consumer pet brands grew 20% in 2023

Statistic 108

55% of owners use apps for pet health tracking, up from 20% in 2019

Statistic 109

Smart collars detect health issues 80% accuracy

Statistic 110

Vegan pet food up 50% since 2020

Statistic 111

Pet funerals/cremation: $1.5B market, 15% growth

Statistic 112

Robotic pets for seniors: 20% adoption in care homes by 2025

Statistic 113

DNA testing kits sold 2M units in 2023

Statistic 114

Subscription boxes: 10M subscribers, $1B revenue

Statistic 115

60% of millennials delay kids for pets

Statistic 116

E-commerce pet sales 40% of total by 2025

Statistic 117

Personalized nutrition plans via AI for pets rising 30%

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From the surge of pandemic puppies to the therapeutic purrs easing our stress, today's pet owners are forging deeper bonds than ever, with a staggering 92% considering their animals family and spending a collective $136.8 billion to prove it.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, 66% of U.S. households owned a pet, totaling approximately 86.9 million households
Millennials (aged 27-42) represent the largest share of pet owners at 33% of all U.S. pet owners
92% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members, with higher rates among Gen Z at 97%
In 2022, 48.6 million U.S. households owned dogs, representing 38% of all households
Cat-owning households reached 29.2 million in 2022, or 23% of U.S. households
Freshwater fish are owned by 11.5% of households, totaling 14.8 million households
U.S. pet industry spending reached $136.8 billion in 2022
Average annual spending per dog-owning household: $1,381
Cat owners spend $878 annually on average
67% of pet owners report improved mental health from pet ownership
Pet owners have 24% lower triglyceride levels and 30% higher HDL
Dog walkers average 22% more physical activity daily
Pet ownership expected to reach 75% of households by 2030
Human-grade pet food market to grow 12% CAGR to $5B by 2027
Telemedicine vet visits up 50% since 2020 to 20% of consults

American pet ownership is widespread and deeply connected to family life and well-being.

Demographics

In 2023, 66% of U.S. households owned a pet, totaling approximately 86.9 million households
Millennials (aged 27-42) represent the largest share of pet owners at 33% of all U.S. pet owners
92% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members, with higher rates among Gen Z at 97%
Women are more likely to own pets than men, with 68% of female-headed households owning pets vs. 62% of male-headed
Urban pet owners make up 53% of all pet-owning households, compared to 47% suburban/rural
Households with children under 6 are 20% more likely to own a pet than childless households
Baby Boomers (aged 59-77) own 27% of all pets despite being 20% of the population
Hispanic Americans have a pet ownership rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 66%
Single-person households own pets at a rate of 58%, often small dogs or cats
Renters own pets at 56% rate vs. 71% for homeowners
In 2023, 70% of U.S. pet owners are under 55 years old
African American pet ownership rate is 45%, below national average
College-educated owners 72% more likely to own premium pets
LGBTQ+ households own pets at 78% rate, highest demographic
Income over $100K households: 78% pet ownership
Rural areas have 75% dog ownership rate vs. 30% urban cat preference
62% of Gen Z own or plan to own pets
Empty nesters own 2+ pets at 65% rate

Demographics Interpretation

America has officially swapped the white picket fence for a leashed one, where pets have become the new kids, Millennials are the overachieving pet parents, and love—measured in wagging tails and purring companions—is the one demographic trend defying every urban, rural, generational, and income divide.

Health

67% of pet owners report improved mental health from pet ownership
Pet owners have 24% lower triglyceride levels and 30% higher HDL
Dog walkers average 22% more physical activity daily
Pet owners over 65 have 36% lower mortality risk post-heart attack
Children with pets have 15% fewer sick days from school
74% of elderly pet owners report less loneliness
Therapy dogs reduce cortisol by 10% in stressed students
Pet ownership linked to 11% lower depression rates
Veterans with service dogs report 40% less PTSD symptoms
Cat purring frequencies aid bone healing, 20-30 Hz range
85% of pet owners sleep better with pets in bedroom
Allergy risk decreases 33% in children raised with dogs
Pet owners vaccinate 92% of dogs annually
Pet owners 15% less likely to have heart disease
Daily dog walking adds 3000 steps, 22 min exercise
Pet interaction lowers blood pressure by 10 mmHg
40% reduction in anxiety for pet owners during stress tests
Autism children with therapy dogs improve social skills 50%
Elderly fall risk down 30% with pet companions
Oxytocin release 300% higher petting dogs
ADHD kids with pets focus 20% better
Cancer patients with pets survive 6 months longer avg
71% of owners say pets reduce stress daily
Pet owners BMI 1.1 points lower
Annual wellness visits: 70% compliance for dogs

Health Interpretation

The staggering evidence suggests that being a pet owner is essentially a comprehensive, multi-species wellness plan that doctors should probably just start prescribing, complete with built-in therapists, personal trainers, cardiovascular equipment, and pharmacists who purr.

Ownership Numbers

In 2022, 48.6 million U.S. households owned dogs, representing 38% of all households
Cat-owning households reached 29.2 million in 2022, or 23% of U.S. households
Freshwater fish are owned by 11.5% of households, totaling 14.8 million households
Bird ownership stands at 6.2 million households or 5%
Reptile owners number 6.7 million households, 5% of total
3.3 million households own saltwater fish
Small animal ownership (rabbits, hamsters) is 6 million households
Horse ownership is held by 1.6 million households
Multi-pet households comprise 52% of pet-owning homes
Dog-only households: 24 million, cat-only: 15 million, both: 13 million
Puppy adoptions surged 20% in 2021 to 6.4 million dogs
Kitten adoptions: 4.8 million in 2022
Shelter adoptions account for 37% of dog acquisitions
Breeder purchases: 21% of new dogs
Found/stray acquisitions: 10% for dogs
15.9 million households own two dogs
8.1 million own three or more dogs
Total pet population: 90 million dogs, 66 million cats in US 2023
142 million freshwater fish owned
20.4 million pet birds owned
9.8 million pet reptiles
24.3 million small animals
2 million saltwater fish owned
11.1 million horses owned by 2 million households
49% of dog owners have one dog
Pandemic pet adoptions: 10 million in 2020-2021
Store/breeder dog purchases: 24%

Ownership Numbers Interpretation

While dogs firmly hold the title of America's favorite pet, with nearly half of all homes having at least one, the pandemic's adoption boom proved our collective hearts have plenty of room for cats, fish, and creatures of all scales and feathers.

Spending

U.S. pet industry spending reached $136.8 billion in 2022
Average annual spending per dog-owning household: $1,381
Cat owners spend $878 annually on average
Pet food sales: $58.1 billion in 2023, up 8% YoY
Supplies/treats/OTC medicine: $30.5 billion
Vet care and product sales: $35.9 billion in 2022
Pet services (grooming, boarding): $10.4 billion
Pet insurance premiums: $1.5 billion, growing 25% YoY
Premium pet food market: $15 billion, 40% of total food sales
Average vet visit cost: $48 for dogs, $44 for cats
Emergency vet costs average $800-$1,500 per incident
28% of owners buy pet insurance, avg premium $48/month
Online pet product sales: 30% of total retail, $20B+
Pet spending projected to $150B by 2024
Dog food annual spend: $30 per dog weekly average
Cat litter: $3.4 billion market
Grooming services: $2.5B for dogs alone
Boarding/kennel: $2.1 billion annually
OTC meds: $2.1 billion
Toys/accessories: $7.5 billion
Live animal sales: $2.8 billion
Avg flea/tick prevention: $250/year per pet
Routine vet costs: $408/year for dogs
86% of owners prioritize pet health spending

Spending Interpretation

America is officially trading its 401(k)s for 10-gallon bags of premium kibble, with our furry dependents now commanding a luxury-tier economy of their own where "good boy" merit badges include a $250 anti-flea subscription and a $1,500 emergency fund for the inevitable sock-related indigestion.

Trends

Pet ownership expected to reach 75% of households by 2030
Human-grade pet food market to grow 12% CAGR to $5B by 2027
Telemedicine vet visits up 50% since 2020 to 20% of consults
CBD pet products sales hit $1B in 2023, up 40%
Senior pet care market growing 15% YoY due to aging population
Exotic pet ownership rising 10% annually, reptiles up 25%
Plant-based pet food sales up 30% in 2022
Pet tech (wearables, cameras) market $4B, 25% growth
Adoption over purchase: 50% by 2025 projection
Multi-species households up 15% post-pandemic
40% of Gen Z plan to own pets before kids
Pet rent fees average $25/month in 30% of rentals
Direct-to-consumer pet brands grew 20% in 2023
55% of owners use apps for pet health tracking, up from 20% in 2019
Smart collars detect health issues 80% accuracy
Vegan pet food up 50% since 2020
Pet funerals/cremation: $1.5B market, 15% growth
Robotic pets for seniors: 20% adoption in care homes by 2025
DNA testing kits sold 2M units in 2023
Subscription boxes: 10M subscribers, $1B revenue
60% of millennials delay kids for pets
E-commerce pet sales 40% of total by 2025
Personalized nutrition plans via AI for pets rising 30%

Trends Interpretation

Pets are rapidly becoming the new children, with households prioritizing their gourmet diets, high-tech healthcare, and substantial inheritances, suggesting that the future of family may well be furry, scaled, or even robotic.

Sources & References

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