A survey by Branded of 14,755 residents of the United States found that nearly 66 percent of respondents own at least one pet, although pet ownership differed by self-reported ethnicity.
Dogs were the most prevalent pets among Hispanic, Asian and Caucasian/white respondents (see infographic below). Cats were the most common pets kept by African American respondents at 44 percent, compared to 41 percent for dogs.
Pet ownership rates by ethnicity
Within Branded’s survey data, analysts found pet ownership patterns related to the self-reported ethnicity of respondents.
Hispanic and Caucasian/white survey participants were more likely than average to have pets in their households. Approximately 70 percent of Caucasian and 69 percent of Hispanic respondents owned at least one pet.
Asian and African American respondents were less likely than average to keep pets. Approximately 43 percent of Asian and 44 percent of African American survey participants reported having at least one pet.
Branded analysts suggested that because Caucasian and Hispanic consumers were more likely to live in suburban and rural parts of the country, they likely had more space for pets. Whereas, Asian and African American consumers tended to live in smaller urban residences.
US ethnic groups surveyed on pet food nutrition and cost
In another survey, Branded analysts examined attitudes about pets and nutrition among four ethnic groups in the United States. People of self-reported Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic and Asian heritage expressed different views towards pet nutrition and the amount they were willing to spend on their pet’s food.
One thing all four groups agreed upon was organic pet food.
“Across the board, pet owners are focused on organic pet food as the healthy and safe option for their pets,” Danielle Ricci, Branded senior marketing and communications manager, told Petfood Industry.
Of the 17,673 respondents to Branded’s poll, 48 percent of Hispanic pet owners agreed with the statement that, “organic food is safer and healthier for pets," which was the highest level of agreement.
Caucasians had the lowest level of agreement with that statement about organic pet food, at 42 percent, and also the highest level of belief that “any food is sufficient for my pet,” at 26 percent. African-Americans expressed the lowest level of agreement (16 percent) with the idea that any pet food was OK.
African-American and Asian pet owners were most likely to indicate that homemade food is best for their pets, at 20 and 21 percent, respectively.
Willingness to pay for pet food
Another question asked: How much are you willing to spend on pet food each month?
“The majority of pet owners are willing to pay $75 or less for pet food each month,” said Ricci. “African American and Hispanic pet owners are most likely to be willing to pay $50 or less, while Asian pet owners are willing to pay up to $100 per month for pet food.”
At the very top of the pet food monthly budget range, two percent of poll-takers were willing to pay more than US$200 among Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian participants. Four percent of African-American respondents said they would devote more than US$200 monthly to pet food.
