US Pet Ownership Statistics 2026: Dogs, Cats & Spending Data

We analyzed data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and multiple consumer surveys to compile the most comprehensive pet ownership statistics for 2026.

General Pet Ownership

• 66% of US households own at least one pet (APPA 2025-2026)
• That's approximately 86.9 million homes
• US pet industry expenditure reached $150+ billion in 2025
• Pet ownership has grown 26% in the last 30 years

Dog Statistics

• 65.1 million US households own a dog
• The average US dog owner spends $1,533 per year on their dog
• Labrador Retriever remains the most popular breed for the 31st consecutive year
• 45% of dog owners let their dog sleep in the bed
• Millennials are now the largest demographic of dog owners (33%)

Cat Statistics

• 46.5 million US households own a cat
• The average cat owner spends $902 per year
• There are an estimated 94.2 million pet cats in the US
• Indoor-only cats live an average of 12-18 years vs 2-5 years for outdoor cats

Pet Health Statistics

• 67% of pet owners consider their pet a family member
• Veterinary care accounts for 30% of total pet spending
• Pet obesity affects 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the US
• Only 19% of dog owners and 9% of cat owners purchase pet insurance

Pet E-Commerce Trends

• Online pet product sales grew 34% between 2022 and 2025
• 73% of pet owners say they research products online before purchasing
• Subscription pet food and supplies services grew 41% in 2024

Sources

American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2025-2026 National Pet Owners Survey, AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, Forbes Advisor Pet Statistics 2025.