21 Crazy Pet Spending Statistics for 2023

Pet Spending Statistics - Featured Image

November 2, 2020

Pet spending statistics reveal that it’s a good time to be a dog, cat, or any other human’s furry best friend.

As more people see their pets as part of their family, how much they spend on their pets is rapidly increasing. So what do people buy for their pets and just how much money do they spend on their furry babies?

Here is what you’ll find if you read on…

Top 10 Pet Spending Statistics

95% of US pet owners consider their pets to be a part of the family.
82% of millennials see pet ownership as practice for parenthood.
Americans spent $36.9 billion on pet food and treats in 2019.
A full-grooming pet service can cost anywhere from $45 to $80.
The average pet sitter charges $20–$40 a day.
Americans spend $490 million on Halloween pet costumes.
18% of people spend up to $50 per month on pet supplies.
People spend $1.7 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets.
Americans spent $565 million on smart pet products in 2018.
In 2018, the worldwide pet care market was worth $125 billion.

Pet Ownership Statistics

Everyone’s aware that having a pet is extremely popular these days. They’re cute, adorable, and bring us joy.

But how popular is pet ownership, and how did it change over time?

1. 95% of US pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family.

(The Harris Poll, Statista)

When it comes to seeing pets as family members, the statistics speak for themselves.

Pets are family.

No matter if they have fur, feathers, or flippers, people embrace their vital role in the household.

Moreover, 66% of people also see their pet as their best friend.

2. In 2018, there were 471 million pet dogs and 373 million pet cats in the world.

(Statista)

Dogs were clearly the most-loved pets on the global level, but cats were the most popular pet in the European Union.

As pet ownership stats show, 75 million people in the EU had a pet cat, while there were only 65 million pet dogs.

3. In 2017, there were 89.7 million pet dogs in the US.

(Statista)

Fido is regarded as man’s best friend, and Americans prove this claim.

Almost two decades ago, there were only 68 million pet dogs in the US, according to the statistics about owning a dog.

There’s a simple explanation for this. The US population has grown, and so has the number of America’s favorite pets.

4. 67% of households in the US have at least one pet.

(APPA)

This survey was conducted in 1988 for the first time, finding that 56% of households in the US had a pet.

Compared to the pet ownership statistics from 2019, we can see that the numbers have grown considerably, reaching roughly 84.9 million American households.

5. By the end of 2016, 72% of Wyoming’s households had at least one pet.

(AVMA)

Wyoming has the greatest portion of homes with pets.

Furthermore, pet ownership statistics by state show that rural states tend to have more pets.

71% of households in West Virginia have a pet
Nebraska, Vermont, and Idaho are at 70%
Indiana and Arkansas are at 69%

Conversely, pet ownership is less common in urban states.

Rhode Island, South Dakota, and New York are perfect examples, with 45%, 46%, and 50% of households owning a pet, respectively, according to the pet ownership statistics by zip code.

6. 37 million millennials were pet owners in 2018.

(PRN)

They make up 27% of all pet owners in the US. As for baby boomers, 54% are pet owners. These two generations are the most important pet-owning generations.

Furthermore, the pet owning statistics also reveal that millennials are likely to be owners of pets like fish, birds, rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters.

Meanwhile, 38% of baby boomers are dog owners, and 33% are cat owners.

7. 82% of millennials see pet ownership as practice for parenthood.

(Forbes)

Most people see their pets as family, as we mentioned, but some take this a bit further.

As millennials are forced to delay starting a family, they choose to practice parenthood on their fur babies.

Essential Pet Expenses

Pet costs can be divided into two general areas.

The initial expenses are one. These include the cost of adoption or purchase, vaccinations, training, and so on. The second is the general cost over your pet’s lifetime. That is, food, toys, apparel, vet visits, and so on.

8. In 2018, the worldwide pet care market was worth $125 billion, the pet care industry statistics reveal.

(Petfoodindustry, Forbes)

Statistics also reveal that 73% of that total accounted for the pet food industry, which is $91.1 billion.

Moreover, dog food had a 6% compound annual growth rate while cat food had a 2% CAGR from 2013 to 2018.

9. Americans spent $36.9 billion on pet food and treats in 2019, according to the pet food industry statistics.

(APPA, Forbes, Pet Food Processing)

Furthermore, it’s estimated that by the end of 2020, this category will reach $38.4 billion.

Pet owners spend the most on food because they no longer want traditional food for their pets.

They want high-quality products, healthy ingredients, and ingredient lists that are easy to understand.

Pet owners are also setting some new pet food trends for 2022. These include grain-friendly foods, foods that are allergen-friendly, and whole-animal foods, as well as fresh, frozen, and made-to-order pet foods.

10. A single veterinarian bill can exceed $1,000.

(Wellness Pet Food)

Every responsible pet parent knows that regular vet visits are one of the main parts of taking good care of your pet.

But there are many things vets can charge you for, from pet veterinary supplies to surgical procedures and hospitalization.

11. Pet industry statistics list physical exams ($45–$55) as the most common vet costs.

(Wellness Pet Food)

How much money you’ll spend at the vet depends greatly on your pet’s breed, size, age, and overall health. Your veterinary pet spending will also depend on your location.

Some of the most common vet expenses include the following:

Vaccines: $15–$28 per shot
Dental cleaning: $70–$400
Heartworm test: $45–$50
Allergy testing: $195–$300

12. In 2018, 2.43 million pets were insured.

(NAPHIA, APPA)

The American Pet Products Association reveals that Americans have spent nearly $19 billion on vet care, pet insurance included.

Data shows that 98% of pet owners insuring their pets chose Accident & Illness or Embedded Wellness plans, while 2% chose Accident Only plans.

13. A full-grooming pet service can cost anywhere from $45 to $80.

(PetCo)

Mind you, these pet grooming industry statistics refer to one-time grooming services that include nails, paws, teeth, and more. Prices will vary depending on your pet’s fur, size, and breed.

Moreover, some pets will need more frequent grooming than others.

Some services, like PetCo, may also offer packages and upgrades.

14. The national average daily cost for boarding a dog is $50, according to the pet boarding statistics.

(Thumbtack)

Taking your pet everywhere with you is unfortunately not always possible, and that’s when professional pet boarding services come in handy.

They’re costly, but your pet will be safe while you’re away.

15. The average pet sitter charges $20–$40 a day.

(Thumbtack)

If you’re uncomfortable leaving your pet in a kennel or pet hotel, you can hire a pet sitter, who will take care of your pet or pets during the day, or overnight.

They charge around $75–$85 in overnight pet sitting costs on average.

Pet sitters take care of dogs or cats, reptiles, fish, birds, rabbits, and other household animals in the comfort of your home.

16. Annual dog care can cost you from $1,001 to $1,448.

(Money)

In terms of total pet care, including adoption or purchase costs, regular vet visits, food, grooming, and other essential expenses, a small dog might cost you $1,001.

Of course, provided there are no emergency medical procedures.

The annual cost of a medium dog is $1,214 on average, while a big dog can cost you about $1,448.

17. The annual costs of taking care of a cat start at about $340.

(Petfinder)

The monthly cost of a cat depends greatly on its breed and age, as well as your own lifestyle.

However, taking into account basic costs like the adoption fee, food, litter, treats, a carrier, and toys, the first year can cost you anywhere from $405 to $2,285.

Each following year can cost $340 to $1,825.

Pet Spending Statistics and Facts

The pet industry statistics reveal that this industry is blossoming.

Let’s discover more about US consumer spending in the pet market and how Americans spoil their pets with pet clothes, toys, and accessories.

18. Americans spend $490 million on Halloween pet costumes.

(MarketWatch)

On average, 29 million people spend money on festive pet apparel. Further pet spending statistics reveal that they spend between $25 and $100 per costume.

Some even buy multiple costumes.

19. 18% of people spend up to $50 per month on pet supplies.

(Statista)

Most commonly bought supplies include leashes, cages, baskets, and other pet accessories.

The data on monthly pet expenses shows that 23% of pet owners have no expenses, while some 10% spend up to $5 a month.

However, 5% of pet owners spend $250, and 3% spend over $250.

20. On average, people spend $1.7 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets.

(MarketWatch)

Pets deserve all the love and praise in the world, so spending an average of $12.21 on them for a Valentine’s Day gift isn’t much.

Furthermore, pet industry statistics and trends report that 47% of pet parents organize a full Valentine’s Day celebration for their pets, and one in three will even bring pets on dates.

21. Americans spent $565 million on smart pet products in 2018.

(Forbes)

Looks like owners fully support their pets going digital.

From pet monitors and smart pet toys to microchips that control pet doors, robots that scoop up pet litter, and home pet spa deliveries, the pet tech industry is rapidly developing.

FAQ

Are pet expenses tax deductible?

Some expenses can be tax deductible, but these scenarios aren’t common.

If you require a pet for a medical reason and your pet is trained and certified as a service animal, then the cost of their food, grooming, vet visits, and training may be deducted from your taxes.

Additionally, fostering pets in your home, having a guard dog for your business, or being a professional breeder or law enforcement dog handler may influence your taxes.

How much money do people spend on their pets annually?

In 2019, Americans spent a record $95.7 billion on their pets, including essential costs like food and vet bills, as well as clothes, accessories, and toys.

Who spends the most on pets?

Pet owners aged 18–24 are by far the biggest spenders when it comes to pets.

They spend $173.67 per month on average, while millennials spend $141.50 per month. Comparatively, elderly pet owners spend quite less—$80.43 per month.

What pet products sell best?

Pet beds and dog seat covers are the most popular pet products, followed by multifunction biting toys, dog toothbrushes, and cat beds.

How much is the pet industry worth in the US?

The pet industry keeps growing despite the pandemic. The total expenditure grew from $97.1 billion in 2019 to $103.6 billion in 2020.

If the expenditure continues growing, we can expect similar pet spending statistics for 2021.

Key Takeaways

Pets are neverending sources of unconditional love.

Spoiling them and spending much more on them than their basic needs require is our way of expressing our love for them, and these pet spending statistics are proof.

Pets are always available for a soft cuddle, they’re full of support, and they deserve to be treated in the best way.

Sources

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Mirjana Dobric

Mirjana is an experienced content writer with a master’s degree in English philology and literature. An avid reader, dark chocolate connoisseur, and coffee addict, she is passionate about writing quality content based on thorough research and facts. Health, animals, literature, and human relationships are just some of the topics she has covered so far.