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

A Lucrative Industry for Women Entrepreneurs

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.

U.S. Growth in Pet Ownership
Year	Pet 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 Pet	Pets Owned (Millions)
Freshwater Fish	142
Cats	88.3
Dogs	74.8
Small Animals (Mammals)	24
Birds	16
Horses	13.8
Reptiles	13.4
Saltwater Fish	9.6

_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