U.S. Pet Owner Statistics
Current pet ownership, spending, and lifestyle figures for writers, researchers, and anyone keeping an eye on the way Americans live with their pets.
Last updated August 25, 2026. All figures are from the named original source and year shown below.
The numbers behind modern pet life.
Pet ownership reaches across tens of millions of U.S. households. The figures below bring together the latest available industry totals and a few of the behaviors that show how pets fit into everyday life.
95 million
U.S. households owned at least one pet in 2025.
That is the latest ownership figure published in APPA’s 2026 State of the Industry Report.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report71 million
U.S. households owned a dog in 2025.
APPA puts dog ownership at 53% of U.S. households, up from 51% in 2024.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report53 million
U.S. households owned a cat in 2025.
APPA reported cat ownership at 39% of U.S. households, a 5% year-over-year increase.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report$158 billion
was spent in the U.S. pet industry in 2025.
APPA reports that total as a 3.7% increase from the prior year.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report$165 billion
is APPA’s projected U.S. pet industry spending for 2026.
The projection includes pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and services.
Source: APPA, Industry Trends and Stats34%
of cat owners bought pet-themed merchandise in 2024.
APPA said this was an 89% increase from 2018.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat Report21%
of cat owners held a holiday or birthday party for their cat in 2024.
APPA reported the share was 250% higher than in 2018.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat Report53%
of dog owners took their dog on foot for daily errands at least weekly.
APPA’s 2025 Dog & Cat Report describes this as a 6% increase from 2023.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat ReportPet love shows up in the everyday details.
The latest APPA figures point to broad, durable ownership. Dogs and cats remain part of daily routines, travel, celebrations, and the small personal purchases that help people show off the animals they adore.
For pet gifts and apparel, that matters. A design that reflects someone’s dog, cat, sense of humor, or favorite shared ritual can feel much more personal than a generic present.
Browse pet lover giftsHow to use these statistics.
Each figure is taken directly from the named American Pet Products Association report or release. The year on each card refers to the data year, or clearly identifies a projection. Figures can change as new surveys and industry reports are released, so this page is reviewed regularly.
- APPA 2026 State of the Industry Report announcement, published March 26, 2026.
- APPA Industry Trends and Stats, accessed August 25, 2026.
- APPA 2025 Dog & Cat Report announcement, published June 24, 2025.
Petsy Prints. “U.S. Pet Owner Statistics.” Updated August 25, 2026.