Our relationship with pets

Fifty-eight percent of all American households have at least one pet in the house. There are more than 61 million dogs in US households today.

– American Veterinary Medical Association

More than half of all pet owners stated they would want their pet instead of another person with them if they were stranded on a desert island.

– American Animal Hospital Association

Percentage of pet owners who…

• refer to themselves as their pet’s “mom” or “dad”– 84
• greet their pet first when they return home – 72
• greet their spouse or significant other first – 13
• greet their children first – 7
• include their pet in holiday celebrations – 86
• hang a Christmas stocking for their pet – 64
• say they are willing to go into debt to provide care for their pet – 74
• say they will spend $1,000 or more to save their pet in a life-threatening situation – 73
• have sung to or danced with their pet – 65
• celebrate their pet’s birthday – 63
• have cooked or baked for their pet – 54
• include their pets in family or holiday portraits – 51
• have taken time off work to tend to a sick pet – 51
• have given their pet a wrapped present – 43
• have taken their pet to work – 44
• have more pictures of their pets than of their spouse or significant other – 39
• allow their dog to sleep in their bed – 36
• talk to their pets on a phone or answering machine when they’re away from home – 33
• have held a funeral after their pet’s death – 19
• carry a pet’s picture in their wallet – 17
• say they feel closest to their pet when exchanging kisses – 11

– From a survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) among pet owners in Canada and the United States.

• Percentage of pet owners who consider vaccinations and routine care critical to their pet’s quality of life – 92
• Amount spent by pet owners on veterinary care in…
  • 1991 – $6.9 billion
  • 2002 – $11 billion
• Number of vets in the United States who perform surgery on pet fish – about 20
  • Cost of fish surgery–$350 to $1,000
• Number of vets in the United States who specialize in pet dentistry – about 60
  • Cost of dog or cat root canal–$600 to $800
  • Cost of dog or cat orthodontics–$2,800 and up
• Average amount spent annually by pet owners on pet expenses–$1,266
  • Typical breakdown:
  • $156 Routine vet visits
  • $289 Specialized vet visits
  • $187 Food
  • $45 vitamin supplements, worm medications
    
• Eight out of ten owners purchased at least one gift for their dogs in 2000
• Percentage of pet owners who…
  • say their pets make their family or home life healthier, either emotionally or physically–84
  • say that playing with or confiding in their pet relaxes, calms and helps them cope better with life and the associated stresses of our fast-paced society when they are stressed or worried–70
    
• Average amount spent on food, toys and treats annually–$750

– From a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA)

Updated Feb 14, 2003.