From doggy daycare to gourmet treats, American pet owners fueled a colossal $136.8 billion industry in 2023 as our furry, feathered, and scaled family members become central to our lives and wallets.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. pet industry reached total expenditures of $136.8 billion in 2023, marking a 7% increase from 2022.
- U.S. pet industry sales grew by 8.1% in 2021 to reach $123.6 billion.
- The pet food segment alone generated $58.0 billion in U.S. sales in 2023.
- 66.5 million U.S. households owned dogs in 2023-2024.
- 46.5 million U.S. households owned cats in 2023-2024.
- 86.9 million U.S. households have at least one pet in 2023.
- Average annual spending per U.S. dog-owning household $1,381 in 2023.
- Average spending per cat-owning U.S. household $788 in 2023.
- U.S. pet owners spent $58 billion on pet food in 2023.
- Dog food sales accounted for 52% of total pet food spending in 2023.
- Wet cat food sales reached $7.8 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Pet treats and chews generated $12.7 billion in 2023 U.S.
- 78% of U.S. pet industry growth driven by humanization trend 2023.
- Premium pet food segment to grow at 7.5% CAGR to 2030 U.S.
- E-commerce pet sales projected 20% annual growth to 2028.
The U.S. pet industry continues to thrive as owners increasingly treat their pets like family members.
Consumer Spending Patterns
- Average annual spending per U.S. dog-owning household $1,381 in 2023.
- Average spending per cat-owning U.S. household $788 in 2023.
- U.S. pet owners spent $58 billion on pet food in 2023.
- 40% of U.S. pet spending on food and treats in 2023.
- Vet care spending by U.S. pet owners $36.3 billion in 2023.
- Supplies and OTC meds cost U.S. owners $30.8 billion yearly 2023.
- 67% of U.S. dog owners bought premium food in 2023.
- 25% increase in U.S. pet grooming service spending 2020-2023.
- U.S. pet parents spent $1.3 billion on insurance premiums 2023.
- Average vet bill spending per U.S. pet $500 annually 2023.
- 55% of U.S. pet owners splurge on holiday gifts for pets 2023.
- Online pet purchases average $250 per U.S. shopper yearly 2023.
- 32% of spending on pet supplies from big-box retailers 2023.
- U.S. Gen Z pet spenders allocate 15% more than average 2023.
- Pet treat spending per capita $45 in U.S. 2023.
- 48% of U.S. owners increased pet health spending post-COVID 2023.
- Average toy spending $112 per dog household U.S. 2023.
- Boarding and daycare costs averaged $1,200 per pet yearly 2023.
- Premium pet food spending up 12% among millennials 2023.
- U.S. pet apparel spending totaled $2.1 billion in 2023.
- 61% of dog owners buy health supplements annually 2023.
- Average OTC med spend $89 per cat household U.S. 2023.
- Training service spending $800 million in U.S. 2023.
- 73% of U.S. pet owners shop sales for supplies 2023.
- Pet food wet vs dry spending 35% wet in U.S. 2023.
- U.S. pet owners under 30 spend 20% more on tech gadgets 2023.
- Holiday pet spending peaks at $1 billion Black Friday 2023.
- 42% of spending on natural/organic pet products 2023.
- Average annual food spend per fish-owning household $250 2023.
- U.S. dog food segment spending $32 billion in 2023.
- Cat litter spending $3.2 billion annually U.S. 2023.
Consumer Spending Patterns Interpretation
While we may debate whether it's pampering or extortion, America's pets have clearly negotiated an exceptionally lucrative union contract that includes premium kibble, designer sweaters, and a healthcare plan far superior to that of their human servants.
Industry Trends and Projections
- 78% of U.S. pet industry growth driven by humanization trend 2023.
- Premium pet food segment to grow at 7.5% CAGR to 2030 U.S.
- E-commerce pet sales projected 20% annual growth to 2028.
- Pet humanization leading to 15% rise in service spending by 2025.
- Sustainable pet products market to hit $5 billion by 2027 U.S.
- Telemedicine vet visits up 50% post-2020, 30% of consults 2023.
- Plant-based pet food growing 25% yearly to 2030.
- Pet tech adoption rate 35% among owners by 2025 projection.
- Senior pet care products CAGR 8.2% to 2030 U.S.
- Direct-to-consumer pet brands up 40% since 2020.
- CBD pet products sales to reach $1.7 billion by 2025.
- Subscription boxes for pets 12 million users by 2024 U.S.
- Obesity management pet foods growing 10% CAGR.
- Multi-pet household trend up 18% since 2019.
- Female pet ownership driving wellness trends 2023-2030.
- Gen Z to account for 30% of pet spending by 2030.
- Indoor pet entertainment products surge 22% post-pandemic.
- Personalized pet nutrition via DNA tests rising 35% yearly.
- Zero-waste pet products projected $2 billion by 2028.
- Robotic pet sitters market CAGR 15% to 2030.
- Allergy-friendly pet foods up 28% in sales 2023-2025.
- Virtual pet adoption platforms growing 40% yearly.
- Pet mental health products $800 million by 2027 projection.
- Home delivery pet food 45% of sales by 2025 forecast.
- Exotic pet ownership rising 12% among urban millennials.
- AI-driven pet health monitoring devices CAGR 18% to 2030.
- Vegan pet treats market to $500 million by 2026 U.S.
- Pet-inclusive travel services up 25% by 2025.
Industry Trends and Projections Interpretation
It seems our pets are evolving into furry, four-legged lifestyle gurus, directing us to spend lavishly on their premium organic diets, tech-driven mental health apps, eco-friendly toys, and bespoke travel plans, all while judging our life choices from the comfort of a subscription box.
Market Size and Revenue
- The U.S. pet industry reached total expenditures of $136.8 billion in 2023, marking a 7% increase from 2022.
- U.S. pet industry sales grew by 8.1% in 2021 to reach $123.6 billion.
- The pet food segment alone generated $58.0 billion in U.S. sales in 2023.
- Overall U.S. pet supplies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine sales hit $30.8 billion in 2023.
- Vet care and product sales in the U.S. totaled $36.3 billion in 2023.
- U.S. pet industry market value projected to reach $147 billion by 2024.
- Pet services and supplies market in U.S. valued at $25.7 billion in 2022.
- Total U.S. pet industry expenditures increased 6.5% from 2021 to 2022.
- U.S. pet accessories market size was $9.2 billion in 2023.
- The U.S. pet grooming products market reached $2.8 billion in 2023.
- U.S. pet industry e-commerce sales accounted for $12.5 billion in 2023.
- Total U.S. pet food and treat sales were $61.2 billion in 2022.
- U.S. veterinary services market size estimated at $40.1 billion in 2023.
- Pet insurance premiums in U.S. totaled $1.8 billion in 2023.
- U.S. pet boarding and daycare services generated $2.5 billion in 2023.
- The U.S. pet treats market was valued at $12.7 billion in 2023.
- U.S. raw pet food market size reached $1.6 billion in 2023.
- Total U.S. pet industry growth rate CAGR projected at 6.2% from 2023-2030.
- U.S. pet apparel market valued at $1.9 billion in 2023.
- Pet technology market in U.S. hit $2.1 billion in 2023.
- U.S. pet waste management products market size $1.2 billion in 2023.
- Total U.S. pet industry retail sales through specialty channels $45.3 billion in 2023.
- U.S. online pet product sales grew 15% to $10.2 billion in 2022.
- Pet furniture market in U.S. valued at $2.4 billion in 2023.
- U.S. reptile pet products market size $1.1 billion in 2023.
- Bird pet supplies market in U.S. reached $1.5 billion in 2023.
- U.S. small animal pet products market $900 million in 2023.
- Aquatic pet products sales in U.S. totaled $1.3 billion in 2023.
- U.S. pet health insurance market projected to $4.5 billion by 2028.
- Live animal sales in U.S. pet channels $2.6 billion in 2023.
Market Size and Revenue Interpretation
Even adjusting for inflation, it seems we no longer just own pets; we invest in them with the fervor of venture capitalists funding a very cute, furry startup.
Pet Ownership Demographics
- 66.5 million U.S. households owned dogs in 2023-2024.
- 46.5 million U.S. households owned cats in 2023-2024.
- 86.9 million U.S. households have at least one pet in 2023.
- Dog ownership rate among U.S. households is 44% in 2023.
- Cat ownership stands at 29% of U.S. households in 2023.
- 24% of U.S. households own freshwater fish in 2023.
- Bird ownership in 10% of U.S. households in 2023-2024.
- Reptile ownership reached 6% of U.S. households in 2023.
- 70% of U.S. millennials own pets, highest among generations.
- 62% of Gen Z Americans own pets in 2023.
- 51% of baby boomers in U.S. own pets as of 2023.
- 38 million U.S. households own multiple pets in 2023.
- Rural U.S. households pet ownership rate 69% vs 59% urban in 2023.
- 82% of U.S. pet owners consider pets family members in 2023.
- Single-person U.S. households pet ownership at 49% in 2023.
- Hispanic U.S. households pet ownership rate 57% in 2023.
- African American households pet ownership 42% in 2023.
- Asian American pet ownership rate 51% in U.S. 2023.
- 15.9 million U.S. households own saltwater fish in 2023.
- Small animal ownership (rabbits, etc.) 5% of U.S. households 2023.
- Horse ownership in 1.6% of U.S. households in 2023.
- 28 million pet dogs owned by Americans aged 18-34 in 2023.
- Elderly (65+) U.S. pet ownership rate 37% in 2023.
- Renters in U.S. pet ownership at 53% vs 62% homeowners 2023.
- 65% of U.S. pet-owning households have dogs only in 2023.
- Female-headed U.S. households pet ownership 58% in 2023.
- 11 million U.S. households own birds in 2023-2024.
- 6 million U.S. households own reptiles in 2023.
- 4.5 million U.S. households own horses in 2023.
Pet Ownership Demographics Interpretation
While canines reign supreme in sheer numbers, the true story of American pet ownership is a heartening and complex tapestry woven from companionship across generations, living situations, and cultures, proving that the need for a furry (or scaly, or finned) family member is a nearly universal thread in the national fabric.
Product and Service Categories
- Dog food sales accounted for 52% of total pet food spending in 2023.
- Wet cat food sales reached $7.8 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Pet treats and chews generated $12.7 billion in 2023 U.S.
- Raw/fresh pet food sales $1.6 billion in U.S. 2023.
- U.S. pet collars and leashes market $1.4 billion 2023.
- Beds and accessories for pets $4.2 billion U.S. sales 2023.
- Grooming tools and products $2.8 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Pet apparel and costumes $1.9 billion U.S. market 2023.
- Toys for dogs generated $3.5 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Cat toys sales $1.2 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Aquatics supplies (tanks, filters) $1.3 billion U.S. 2023.
- Bird cages and accessories $800 million U.S. 2023.
- Reptile habitats and heating $900 million U.S. 2023.
- Small animal bedding and habitats $600 million 2023.
- Pet carriers and travel gear $1.1 billion U.S. 2023.
- Health supplements for pets $2.4 billion sales 2023.
- Flea/tick control products $3.1 billion U.S. 2023.
- Prescription pet meds $10.5 billion in U.S. 2023.
- Cat litter total sales $3.2 billion U.S. 2023.
- Dry dog kibble dominant at $18.4 billion U.S. 2023.
- Frozen raw pet food $450 million U.S. market 2023.
- Smart feeders and bowls $500 million U.S. 2023.
- GPS trackers for pets $300 million sales 2023.
- Automatic litter boxes $250 million U.S. 2023.
- Pet cameras market $400 million in U.S. 2023.
- Dental chews for dogs $1.8 billion U.S. 2023.
- Joint health supplements $900 million sales 2023.
- Waste bags and disposal $700 million U.S. 2023.
- Training pads and pee pads $500 million 2023.
Product and Service Categories Interpretation
Despite dogs receiving the lion's share of the culinary budget, cats have cleverly cornered the market on sulky luxury with their $7.8 billion wet food habit, while the industry as a whole continues to thrive by expertly selling us everything from essential kibble to frankly questionable costumes, proving that modern pet ownership is an Olympic sport of pampering, paranoia, and pooper-scooping.
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