Since 1996, the landscape of pet ownership in the United States has changed dramatically, according to data released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). While the cat population has remained relatively stable, dog ownership has surged, solidifying dogs’ position as the more popular pet.
The AVMA’s findings indicate that the number of cats in the U.S. increased from 59.8 million in 1996 to 73.8 million by 2024. During the same period, the dog population experienced a more substantial increase, rising from 52.9 million to a record high of 89.7 million. This shift is also reflected in the number of households owning each type of pet. Cat-owning households grew from 27 million in 1996 to 42.1 million in 2024, while dog-owning households saw an even greater increase, climbing from 31.3 million to 59.8 million.
The financial commitment to pets is also notable. In 2023, pet owners spent an average of $1,515, with a slight increase to $1,516 in 2024. Dog owners typically spent more than cat owners on their pets, with figures of $1,852 in 2023 and $1,740 in 2024. Cat owners spent $1,235 in 2023 and $1,311 in 2024. Owners of other types of pets averaged expenditures of $1,459 in 2023 and $1,497 in 2024.
“Households with dogs now account for nearly half (45.5%) of all U.S. households compared with the low of 31.6% in 1996,” the AVMA stated. “Cat-owning households, on the other hand, comprised nearly a third (32.1%) of all households in 2024 versus 27.3% in 1996. For both dog and cat owners, an overwhelming majority (88.8% and 84.7%, respectively) view their pet as a member of the family.”
The AVMA data also provided insights into veterinary care habits. Nearly 87% of dog owners reported having a regular veterinarian or veterinary practice. Over 74.2% of dog owners said they visited a veterinarian in the past year. Among cat owners, more than 77.1% reported having a regular veterinarian or veterinary practice in 2024, with 57.3% visiting the veterinarian during the year. Among those who sought veterinary care, the highest percentage of dog owners (56.5%) visited twice, while the highest percentage of cat owners (44.9%) visited only once.
These figures demonstrate the growing popularity and importance of dogs in American households, as well as their impact on the veterinary landscape. The AVMA’s data offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of pet ownership and the associated financial and healthcare considerations.
