Petsy Prints reference guide
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 October 8, 2026. Every figure names its original source and data year.
At a glance
Pet ownership reaches across tens of millions of U.S. households. These figures bring together the latest available industry totals and a few of the behaviors that show how pets fit into everyday life.
2025
95 millionU.S. households owned at least one pet
This is the latest household ownership total reported in APPA's 2026 State of the Industry Report.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report2025
71 millionU.S. households owned a dog
APPA puts dog ownership at 53% of U.S. households, up from 51% in 2024.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report2025
53 millionU.S. households owned a cat
APPA reported cat ownership at 39% of U.S. households, a 5% year-over-year increase.
Source: APPA, 2026 Cat Report2025
$158 billionwas spent in the U.S. pet industry
APPA reports that total as a 3.7% increase from the prior year.
Source: APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report2026 projection
$165 billionis APPA's projected U.S. pet industry spending
The projection includes pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and services.
Source: APPA, Industry Trends and Stats2025
29%of dog-owner spending went to veterinary care
APPA identifies veterinary care as the largest share of dog-owner spending.
Source: APPA, 2026 Dog Report2025
7%year-over-year growth in homes with two cats
APPA also reported that households with three or more cats rose 7% year over year.
Source: APPA, 2026 Cat Report2025
$337.53average annual cat food spending per cat owner
APPA reported this was 9% higher than the year before.
Source: APPA, 2026 Cat Report2024
34%of cat owners bought pet-themed merchandise
APPA said this was an 89% increase from 2018.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat Report2024
21%of cat owners held a holiday or birthday party for their cat
APPA reported the share was 250% higher than in 2018.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat Report2024
53%of dog owners took their dog on weekly walking errands
APPA's 2025 Dog & Cat Report describes this as a 6% increase from 2023.
Source: APPA, 2025 Dog & Cat ReportA closer look
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 giftsMethodology and sources
Each figure is taken directly from the named American Pet Products Association report or release. The year on each card is 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 Industry Trends and Stats, accessed October 8, 2026.
- APPA 2026 State of the Industry Report announcement, published March 26, 2026.
- APPA 2026 Dog Report announcement, published July 22, 2026.
- APPA 2026 Cat Report announcement, published September 14, 2026.
- APPA 2025 Dog & Cat Report announcement, published June 24, 2025.
Cite this page
Petsy Prints. “U.S. Pet Owner Statistics.” Updated October 8, 2026.