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 * advisor
 * Pet Insurance

Advertiser Disclosure


PET OWNERSHIP STATISTICS 2024

Michelle MegnaEditor
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over
35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to
covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily
News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent
for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
 * 

Michelle Megna
Michelle MegnaEditor
Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over
35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to
covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily
News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent
for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.
 * 

Editor
Korrena Bailieeditor
Korrena Bailie has over a decade of experience reporting and editing personal
finance stories and reviews. Her work has been featured in Wirecutter, The New
York Times, Bankrate and Credit Karma.
 * 
 * 

Fact Checked

Korrena Bailie
Korrena Bailieeditor
Korrena Bailie has over a decade of experience reporting and editing personal
finance stories and reviews. Her work has been featured in Wirecutter, The New
York Times, Bankrate and Credit Karma.
 * 
 * 

editor

Fact Checked

Updated: Jan 25, 2024, 11:09am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor.
Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Getty

Pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades.
As of 2024, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.[1] That’s up
from 56% in 1988, pet ownership statistics show. From companionship to emotional
support, pets are a vital part of their owners’ lives. In fact, 97% of pet
owners consider their pets to be a part of their family.[12]

Forbes Advisor conducted a deep dive into the latest available pet owner
statistics to determine which pets are most popular, how pet ownership and
spending habits differ by generation, the cost of pet ownership and the most
common lifestyle sacrifices made by pet owners.


PET OWNERSHIP IN THE U.S. AT A GLANCE

 * 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.[1]
 * Dogs are the most popular pet in the U.S. (65.1 million U.S. households own a
   dog), followed by cats (46.5 million households) and freshwater fish (11.1
   million households).[1]
 * Millennials make up the largest percentage of current pet owners (33%),
   followed by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%).[1]
 * In 2022, Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets, up nearly 11% from
   2021 ($123.6 billion).[1]
 * Essential dog expenses cost an average of $1,533 annually.[10]
 * 42% of dog owners and 43% of cat owners got their pets from a store, while
   38% of dog owners and 40% of cat owners got their pets from an animal shelter
   or rescue.[2]


PET OWNER STATISTICS

The percentage of pet owners in the U.S. spiked over the past 35 years,
according to pet owner statistics analyzed by Forbes Advisor.

The steady rise in pet ownership in the U.S. comes at a time when pet insurance
is also rapidly gaining in popularity. As of 2022, more than 4.8 million pets
are insured, a 124.9% increase from 2018. [8]

Pet insurance can prevent you from paying the full cost of unexpected vet bills
if your pet is injured or gets sick. It’s a smart way to add a layer of
financial security to your budget. Here are more interesting facts related to
pet ownership:

 * As of 2024, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.[1]
 * Pet ownership has increased significantly over the past three decades. In
   1988, only 56% of U.S. households owned a pet.[1]
 * More than half of pet owners (51%) consider their pets to be as much a part
   of their family as a human family member. [12]
 * 78% of pet owners surveyed by Forbes Advisor acquired pets during the
   pandemic.[3]
 * Households with annual incomes of $100,000 and over are most likely to own
   pets: 63% of households in this income bracket own dogs and 40% own cats. [2]
 * Homeowners are more likely to own pets than renters: 58% of homeowners have a
   dog and 36% have a cat versus 39% and 29% of renters respectively.[2]
 * Americans in rural areas are more likely to own pets than Americans in
   suburban and urban areas. 71% of adults living in rural areas have a pet.[12]
 * Residents of rural areas are also more likely to have multiple pets: 47% of
   adults in rural areas have more than one pet, compared with 32% in the
   suburbs and 26% in urban areas.[12]
 * 42% of dog owners and 43% of cat owners got their pets from a store, while
   38% of dog owners and 40% of cat owners got their pet from an animal shelter
   or rescue.[2]
 * 23% of dog owners report getting their dog from a breeder compared to 7% of
   cat owners.[2]
 * Over one third of Americans (35%) have more than one pet.[12]


PET OWNERSHIP BY GENERATION

Pet ownership statistics reveal that millennials comprise the highest percentage
of pet owners in the U.S:

 * Millennials make up the largest percentage of current pet owners (33%),
   followed by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%).[1]



 * Gen Z pet owners (ages 18 to 25) are far more likely than other age groups to
   have a variety of pets.[3]
 * Gen X pet owners (ages 42 to 57) are the least likely to own pets that aren’t
   cats and dogs, such as hamsters, birds and fish. [3]




MOST POPULAR PETS IN THE U.S.

The most common pets in the U.S. are dogs and cats, but there’s still a lot of
love for other animals and species. Millions of households include fish, birds
and small animals like hamsters and rabbits.

The most popular pets in the U.S. are [1]:

 1. Dogs (65.1 million households)
 2. Cats (46.5 million households)
 3. Freshwater fish (11.1 million households)
 4. Small animals such as hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas,
    mice and ferrets (6.7 million households)
 5. Birds (6.1 million households)




ARE CATS OR DOGS MORE POPULAR?

Whether cats or dogs make better companions has long been a bone of contention
among many pet parents. Popularity certainly has nothing to do with how much a
pet is loved by its human family. But in terms of ownership, more households
include dogs than cats.

 * Dogs are more popular than cats in the U.S. As of 2022, 44.5% of U.S.
   households own dogs and 29% of households own cats.[2]
 * Between 2016 and 2022, the percentage of U.S. households who own dogs
   increased by 6.1 percentage points, from 38.4% to 44.5%, while the percentage
   of households that own cats increased by 4 percentage points, from 25% to
   29%.[2]


COST OF PET OWNERSHIP

While the love of a pet is priceless, the cost of owning one is not. Veterinary
care, grooming, food, treats and other outlays can add up quickly. A Forbes
Advisor analysis found that essential dog expenses cost an average of $1,533
annually.[10]

This includes the cost of:

 * Dog boarding for a seven day vacation: $253
 * Veterinary care: $679.50
 * Pet insurance: $601.01

Dog owners who rely on doggy day care twice per week can expect to spend an
additional $2,980 per year on average. [10]

And if an unexpected vet bill pops up for a major incident, you can be on the
hook for thousands of dollars—42% of pet owners say they can’t cover a surprise
vet bill of $999 or less without going into debt.[6]

Pet insurance can partially reimburse you when you pay the bill for your pet’s
unexpected accidents and illnesses. While you may not want to add another
expense to your pet care costs, you might be surprised at how affordable pet
insurance can be.

The average pet insurance cost for dogs is $44 a month, and the average pet
insurance cost for cats is $30 a month, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis.
Having pet insurance is like putting a leash on your potential vet costs so they
don’t run out of control. That can leave you with more money to spend on
spoiling your furry companion.

Here’s a closer look at the cost of pet ownership:

 * Dog owners spend the most on veterinary care ($367 per year), food ($339 per
   year) and grooming ($99 per year).[2]
 * Cat owners spend the most on food ($310 per year), veterinary care ($253 per
   year) and toys ($50 per year).[2]
 * Gen Z pet owners (ages 18 to 25) are the most likely to spoil their pets with
   birthday cakes (34%), birthday presents (39%) and clothing or costumes
   (32%).[3]
 * Gen Z pet owners are also the most likely to spend money on behavioral
   training (41%), doggy daycare (35%), specialized pet food (44%) and dog
   walking services (31%).[3]




THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO OWN A DOG

A Forbes Advisor analysis found that Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tops the
list of most expensive cities for dog owners. [10]

Greensboro, North Carolina; Bakersfield, California; El Paso, Texas; and
Memphis, Tennessee round out the top five most expensive cities for dog
owners.[10]

Regional trends for the most expensive cities to own a dog:

 * Three of the top 15 most expensive cities for dog owners are located in
   Nevada, including North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson. [10]
 * California cities appeared at both the top and bottom of the list. Two of the
   15 most expensive cities for owning a dog are located in California,
   including Bakersfield and Fresno. Two of the 10 most affordable cities for
   dog owners are also located in California, including the city that ranked
   cheapest overall, San Jose.[10]





TOTAL PET INDUSTRY EXPENDITURES

Spending on pets is up, mirroring increases in pet ownership and pet insurance
sales:

 * Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, up 10.68% from 2021
   ($123.6 billion).[1]
 * This includes $58.1 billion spent on pet food and treats, $31.5 billion spent
   on supplies, live animals and over-the-counter medications, $35.9 billion
   billion spent on vet care and $11.4 billion spent on other services (all
   services outside of veterinary care such as boarding, grooming, pet
   insurance, and training).[1]
 * Between 2018 and 2022, the amount spent on pets in the U.S. increased by
   51.16% from $90.5 billion to $136.8 billion.[1]





DOG OWNER REGRETS

There’s no denying the benefits of dog ownership, but being responsible for a
dog comes with challenges. These obligations can cause some to have regrets
about owning a dog, a Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 dog owners found. Messes,
challenges in finding care for the dog and dog training are among the top
reasons they regret getting a dog. The cost of vet bills is also a burden for
some dog owners, and can affect how often dogs go to the vet.

Here’s more about dog owner regrets and concerns about vet bills:

 * 54% of dog owners have regrets about getting a dog.[5]
 * Dog owners cited cleaning up after a dog as the biggest challenge associated
   with dog ownership (27%), followed by finding care for the dog when traveling
   or going to work (26%), training the dog (25%), cost (24%) and barking or
   whining (24%).[5]
 * A vet bill of $999 or less would cause 42% of pet owners to go into debt,
   while a vet bill of $499 or less would cause 28% of pet owners to go into
   debt.[6]
 * 3% of pet owners gave their pet away between 2021 and 2022.[6] The top
   reasons cited for selling or giving a pet away were inflation (12%), the
   rising cost of rent (10%), inability to afford a pet’s medical bills (7%) and
   the cost of pet deposits for apartments (5%).[6]


TOP SACRIFICES MADE BY DOG OWNERS

Nearly all pet owners (97%) consider their pets to be a part of their
family.[12] And a Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners found that dog
owners make professional, financial and lifestyle sacrifices for their canine
companions. [7]

The top lifestyle sacrifices made by dog owners include:

 * 39.29% lived on a tighter budget to afford their dogs’ expenses.
 * 13.96% moved from an apartment to a house so their dog would have a yard.
 * 7.47% stayed at a job they disliked because it allowed them to work remotely
   or had a dog-friendly office.
 * 6.78% broke up with a significant other who didn’t like their dog.
 * 5.25% took a pay cut or accepted a position with fewer benefits to work
   remotely or have access to a dog-friendly office.
 * 4.57% left a job they liked because another company let them work from home
   or had a dog-friendly office.
 * 36% of dog owners reported that they would spend $4,000 or more out-of-pocket
   on life-saving medical care for their dogs.


STATES WITH THE MOST DEVOTED DOG OWNERS

Colorado tops the list of states with the most devoted dog owners, followed by
Virginia, Georgia, Alaska and Nevada.[7] These aren’t the only states home to
devoted dog owners:

 * Five of the top 10 states with the most devoted dog owners are located in the
   Pacific and West, including Colorado, Alaska, Nevada, Washington and
   Oregon.[7]
 * Ohio dog owners were most likely to report living on a tighter budget to
   afford their dogs’ expenses (51%), followed by Wisconsin (44.5%) and Montana
   dog owners (44%).[7]
 * Nevada dog owners were most likely to report that they moved from an
   apartment to a house so their dogs would have a yard (20%), followed by
   Colorado (19.5%) and Kansas dog owners (19%).[7]
 * Nevada dog owners were most likely to leave a job they liked because another
   company let them work from home or had a dog-friendly office (8.5%).[7]
 * Dog owners from Rhode Island were most likely to stay at a job they disliked
   because it allowed them to work remotely or had a dog-friendly office
   (15.5%).[7]





STATES WITH THE MOST SPOILED DOGS

A Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners found that Florida tops the list of
states with the most spoiled dogs. Alaska, Washington, Colorado and California
round out the top five states with the most spoiled dogs.[4]





MOST PET-FRIENDLY CITIES

Features like hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and skyline views are
nice, but that’s not the top priority for many pet owners. Almost three-quarters
(72%) of prospective home buyers with pets would pass on their dream home if it
didn’t accommodate their pets.[11]

If you’re a pet owner on the hunt for pet-friendly apartments with access to
nearby dog parks, pet stores and affordable veterinary costs, we compared the 91
most populated cities to find the best cities for pet owners. We analyzed data
across four key categories: cat and dog veterinary costs, veterinary access and
pet-friendly spaces.

We found that Tucson, Arizona, tops the list of best cities for pet owners,
followed by Raleigh, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Wichita, Kansas; and
Cincinnati, Ohio. [9]

Regional trends for the most pet-friendly cities:

 * Four of the top 10 cities for pet owners are located in the South, including
   Raleigh, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Plano, Texas; and Louisville,
   Kentucky. [9]
 * Pet owners in Memphis, Tennessee, pay the lowest vet prices for both dogs and
   cats. San Francisco is the most expensive city for dog veterinary care and
   ties with San Jose, California, as the most expensive city for cat veterinary
   care.[9]





WHAT’S THE PRIMARY REASON WHY YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO BUY PET INSURANCE IN THE NEXT
THREE MONTHS?

Reason dog owners without pet insurance are unlikely to buy it in the next 3
months % of respondents
It’s too expensive
42%
I don’t think I’ll need it
24%
I don’t think it’s worth it
21%
I don’t understand the product
5%
I don’t know who sells it
4%



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Among dog owners who do not have pet insurance and are unlikely to buy pet
insurance in the next three months, 42% said the primary reason is because they
think it’s too expensive, according to a Forbes Advisor survey.

Yet 89% of dog owners estimate that the cost of pet insurance is higher than it
actually is. Only 11% of dog owners correctly estimated an average cost below
$50 a month. And 76% of dog owners overestimate the cost of pet insurance by at
least three times the average price, our survey has found.


HOW MUCH WOULD YOU ESTIMATE PET INSURANCE COSTS PER MONTH FOR A 3-MONTH OLD
PUPPY, FOR $5,000 OF ANNUAL COVERAGE?

Estimate of monthly pet insurance cost
Actual average cost is $25 a month % of dog owners
Less than $50
11%
$50 – $99
13%
$100 – $149
28%
$150 – $199
23%
$200 – $249
12%
$250 – $300
4%
More than $300
9%



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Pet insurance plans typically have a choice of maximum annual coverage amounts,
such as $5,000, but some plans offer unlimited annual coverage. This financial
safety net can help dog owners reduce the potential cost of a dog.


FEARS OF BIG VETERINARIAN BILLS

Half (50%) of dog owners say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about
their ability to pay for an unexpected vet bill in the next three months.


HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO PAY FOR AN UNEXPECTED VETERINARY
BILL IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS?

Level of concern % of respondents
Very concerned
19%
Somewhat concerned
31%
Neither concerned nor unconcerned
23%
Somewhat unconcerned
13%
Very unconcerned
13%
Prefer not to say
1%



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Pet insurance is a good way to help offset expensive vet bills for problems like
ACL ruptures, broken bones, cancer, heart disease, swallowed objects and common
illnesses, such as ear infections and digestive issues.


MAJORITY SAY VET BILL OF $2,000 OR LESS IS “UNAFFORDABLE”

An unexpected accident or illness such as a dog’s broken bone, cancer, torn knee
ligament or toxic ingestion can cost thousands of dollars in vet bills,
according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of the cost of vet visits. Most dog
owners (77%) consider various amounts of vet bills of $2,000 or below to be
“unaffordable.”

Dog owners without pet insurance are vulnerable to the prospect of racking up
debt to pay a surprise vet bill.


HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD AN UNEXPECTED VET BILL COST FOR YOU TO CONSIDER IT
“UNAFFORDABLE”?

Vet bill amount % of respondents
$1 to $250
10%
$251 to $500
20%
$501 to $1,000
23%
$1,001 to $1,500
17%
$1,501 to $2,000
7%
$2,001 to $3,000
7%
$3,001+
14%
Prefer not to say
3%



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VET-RELATED EXPENSES AMONG CUTS FOR DOG OWNERS ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Dog owners on a tight budget may have to face some tough financial decisions
when it comes to their pups. While 51% of dog owners say they’d cut spending on
items such as dog treats, outfits and toys, some dog owners say they’d cut
veterinary-related expenses to save money.

More than one-quarter (27%) of dog owners say they would not pay for surgery for
their dogs (elective or emergency) and 17% say they would reduce veterinary
checkups.


WHICH DOG-RELATED EXPENSES WOULD YOU CUT IF YOUR BUDGET WERE TIGHT? (SELECT UP
TO THREE)

Dog-related expenses % of respondents
Accessories (i.e. dog treats, toys, outfits, etc.)
51%
Dog services (walking, training, grooming, day care, boarding, etc.)
37%
Specialty dog food
25%
Elective surgery
22%
Veterinary checkup  (non-sick visit)
17%
Emergency surgery
5%
Vaccination
5%
Medication
4%
N/A – I expect to always afford expenses related to my dog
24%



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Pet insurance can help cover costs such as surgeries and medication. In
addition, you can typically add a wellness plan to cover the cost of routine vet
checkups and vaccinations.


MANY DOG OWNERS UNLIKELY TO BUY PET INSURANCE IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS

Despite fears of big vet bills, 47% of dog owners say they are unlikely to buy
pet insurance in the next three months.


HOW LIKELY OR UNLIKELY ARE YOU TO BUY A NEW PET INSURANCE POLICY IN THE NEXT
THREE MONTHS?

Likelihood to buy pet insurance % of respondents
Very likely
7%
Somewhat likely
17%
Neither likely nor unlikely
28%
Somewhat unlikely
12%
Very unlikely
35%
I already have pet insurance
0%



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Nearly two-thirds (63%) of pet owners said they would have difficulty paying a
surprise vet bill amid inflation, according to a Forbes Advisor survey on pet
costs and inflation. More than a quarter of pet owners (28%) said a vet bill of
$499 or less would cause them to go into debt, while a bill of $999 or less
would cause 42% to go into debt.

Even with so many pet owners concerned that a hefty vet bill would wreak
financial havoc, more than three-quarters (79%) of pet owners said they do not
have pet insurance, according to a Forbes Advisor survey. Many pet owners are
unlikely to purchase pet insurance amid inflation:

 * Nearly one-third (30%) of survey respondents said they are much less likely
   or somewhat less likely to buy pet insurance amid inflation.
 * And 22% said they were much more likely or somewhat more likely to buy pet
   insurance amid inflation.


FIND THE BEST PET INSURANCE COMPANIES OF 2024



Get Started






WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING VET BILL AMOUNTS WOULD CAUSE YOU TO GO INTO DEBT?

Vet bill amount % of respondents
$1-$99
5%
$100-$199
6%
$200-$299
7%
$300-$499
10%
$500-$999
14%
$1,000-$4,999
24%
$5,000+
18%
None of the above
12%
Prefer not to say
5%



See MoreSee Less


SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Online surveys of 1,000 U.S. adults who own at least one dog were commissioned
by Forbes Advisor and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in
accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was
collected May 8-22, 2023. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 points with 95%
confidence. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a
member of the MRS and has a corporate membership with the American Association
for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). For a complete survey methodology,
including geographic and demographic sample sizes, contact pr@forbesadvisor.com.


RELATED CONTENT

 * Best Cities For Dogs
 * Best Cities For Pet Owners, Ranked
 * Best Cities To Travel To With Your Dog
 * Pet Insurance Statistics
 * Pet Adoption Statistics
 * States With The Most Devoted Dog Owners, Ranked
 * States With The Most Responsible Dog Owners, Ranked
 * State’s Favorite Dog Breed Ranked
 * States With The Most Spoiled Dogs
 * The Most Expensive Cities to Own a Dog, Ranked
 * The Most Expensive States to Acquire a Dog, Ranked
 * The Biggest Pet Peeves Of Dog Owners Nationwide And In Each State


SOURCES

 1.  American Pet Products Association (2023-2024)
 2.  American Veterinary Medical Association, 2022 Pet Ownership and
     Demographics Sourcebook
 3.  Forbes Advisor: Survey: 78% of Pet Owners Acquired Pets During Pandemic
 4.  Forbes Advisor: States With The Most Spoiled Dogs
 5.  Forbes Advisor: 54% of Dog Owners Have Regrets About Getting a Dog
 6.  Forbes Advisor: 42% of Pet Owners Can’t Cover a Surprise Vet Bill Amid
     Inflation
 7.  Forbes Advisor: States With the Most Devoted Dog Owners, Ranked
 8.  North American Pet Health Insurance Association: 2023 State of the Industry
     Report
 9.  Forbes Advisor: Best Cities For Pet Owners, Ranked
 10. Forbes Advisor: The Most Expensive Cities to Own a Dog, Ranked
 11. Realtor.com, 2022
 12. Pew Research Center, 2023

Visit our hub to view more statistics pages.





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Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over
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covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily
News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent
for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.


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