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Writer's pictureEvelyn Wilson

American Pet Statistics -- Who Owns What?

Number of U.S. Households That Own a Pet by Type of Animal

  • Dog = 63.4 million households

  • Cat = 42.7 million households

  • Freshwater fish = 11.5 million households

  • Bird = 5.7 million households

  • Small animal = 5.4 million households

  • Reptile = 4.5 million households

  • Horse = 1.6 million households

  • Saltwater fish = 1.6 million households

Unsurprisingly, dogs and cats are the most commonly owned pets in America, followed by freshwater fish.



Total Number Of Pets Owned In The United States By Type of Animal

  • Freshwater fish = 139.3 million

  • Cat = 94.2 million

  • Dog = 89.7 million

  • Bird = 20.3 million

  • Saltwater fish = 18.8 million

  • Small animal = 14.0 million

  • Reptile = 9.4 million

  • Horse = 7.6 million

When looking at the specific number of each animal, freshwater fish are now the top by a large margin. This is likely because many individuals take care of multiple fish at a time, as opposed to other types of pets such as reptiles. Cats are number two with dogs following.



Percents of American Households Owning Pets By Type of Animal

  • Dogs = 38.4%

  • Cats = 25.4%

  • Birds = 2.8%

  • Horses = 0.7%



Fun Facts About Americans and Their Pets

  • 36% of Americans give their dog presents on their birthdays.

  • 27% of American pet owners have admitted to having professional photographs of their pets taken.

  • Americans spend at least $50 billion per year on pets.

  • 9 in 10 Americans consider their pet as a part of their family.

  • The ownership of pets has more than tripled in the US since the 1970s.

  • 50% of pet owners admit to talking to their pets.

  • The most popular pet in the UK is fish.



Sources used:


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