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Pet Ownership Statistics in the U.S. Sustain Pet Businesses

A Lucrative Industry for Women Entrepreneurs

By , About.com Guide

According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2007, there were 71.1 million households (63% of all households) in the U.S. that owned at least one pet. And, Global Pet Expo reports that these same households spent $39.1 billion dollars on pet products and pet care, while Packaged Facts a consumer research company, reports that figure to be closer to $41 billion and projects pet sales to increase to $52 billion annually by the year 2009.

Number of Pet Owners in the U.S.

U.S. Growth in Pet Ownership
YearPet Owners (Millions)
2007 71.1
2004 69
2002 64
1988 51

Types of Pets Owned in the U.S. - 2007 Statistics

Pets People Own
Type of PetPets Owned (Millions)
Freshwater Fish 142
Cats88.3
Dogs74.8
Small Animals (Mammals)24
Birds16
Horses13.8
Reptiles13.4
Saltwater Fish9.6

Source:

American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. “New National Pet Owners Survey Details Two Decades of Evolving American Pet Ownership.” June 18, 2007.

Linda Vachata. “From Saunas to Lasagna: The Latest Products for Our Precious Pets.” The Arizona Republic. March 1, 2008: 12:00 AM

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