Understanding the Data

Obtaining accurate statistical data about pets in the United States isn’t easy. Most of the information is based on estimates derived from surveys, and the various survey-takers don’t always agree. Data reflecting shelter/rescue animal populations is spotty due to a lack of reporting requirements, which leaders in animal welfare are aiming to address with the Shelter Animals Count project.

Fact 2012 AVMA Sourcebook 2015-2016 APPA Survey 2017-2018 AVMA Sourcebook 2017-2018 APPA Survey
Total number of U.S. households 124.587 million 125.819 million
Number of households with a pet 66.5 million (year-end 2011) 79.7 million 74.4 million 84.6 million
Percentage of households with a pet 56% (year-end 2011) 65% 56.8% 68%
Pet-owning households with more than 1 pet 62.2% 42% 61%
Estimated number of pet dogs and cats 144.1 million 163.6 million 135.2 million 183.9 million
Percentage of pet-owners who consider their pets to be family members 63.2% 80%
Percentage of pet-owners who consider their pets to be pets or companions 35.8% 17%
Percentage of pet-owners who consider their pets to be property 1% 3%
Dogs
Fact 2012 AVMA Sourcebook 2015-2016 APPA Survey 2017-2018 AVMA Sourcebook 2017-2018 APPA Survey
Households that own at least one dog Nearly 43.3 million (36.5%) 54.4 million (44%) 48.3 million (38%) 60.2 million (48.5%)
Estimated number of pet dogs 70 million (year-end 2011) 77.8 million 76.8 million
(year end 2016)
89.7 million
Average number of pet dogs per household 1.6 1.43 1.6 1.49
Dog-owning households with small dogs 39.3% 50% 50%
Dog-owning households with medium dogs 33.4% 26% 28%
Dog-owning households with large dogs 27.3% 37% 35%
Percentage of dog owners who consider their dogs to be family members 66.7% 85%
Percentage of dog owners who consider their dogs to be pets or companions 32.6% 14%
Percentage of dog owners who consider their dogs to be property 0.7% 1%
Average amount spent on veterinary care per year, per dog $227 $1,542 $495 $1,386
Percentage of owned dogs who are spayed or neutered 86% 69.1% 85%
Percentage of dogs who are “pure breed” 62% 48.7% 60%
Percentage of dogs who are mixed breed/”mutts” 47% 51.3% 51%
Cats
Fact 2012 AVMA Sourcebook 2015-2016 APPA Survey 2017-2018 AVMA Sourcebook 2017-2018 APPA Survey
Households that own at least one cat 36.1 million (30.4%) 42.9 million (35%) 31.9 million (25%) 47.1 million (38%)
Estimated number of pet cats 74.1 million (year-end 2011) 85.8 million 58.4 million
(year end 2016)
94.2 million
Average number of pet cats per household 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0
Percentage of cat owners who consider their cats to be family members 56.1% 76%
Percentage of cat owners who consider their cats to be pets or companions 41.5% 20%
Percentage of cat owners who consider their cats to be property 2.4% 3%
Average amount spent on veterinary care per year, per cat $90 $1,200 $335 $890
Percentage of pet cats who are spayed or neutered 90% 80% 93%
Percentage of cats who are “pure breed” 18% 16% 16%
Percentage of cats who are mixed breed/”mutts” 87% 84% 90%

https://www.animalsheltering.org/page/pets-by-the-numbers