Examiner.com quoted American Veterinary Medical Association statistics to state that about 60% of all households in the US have a pet. Other data reported include:
• According to the
National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy
(NCPPSP), about 65% of US pet owners acquire their pets
free or at a low cost.
• Most US pets are obtained from
acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20% of dogs are
purchased from breeders, 10 to 20%of cats and dogs are adopted
from shelters and rescues, and 2 to 10% are purchased from pet
shops. (Source: Ralston Purina and NCPPSP)
• At least 20% of cats are
acquired as strays. (Source: NCPPSP) Many strays are lost pets
that were not kept indoors or provided with identification.
• More than 20% of people who
leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source:
NCPPSP)
• Spaying or neutering pets costs
less than raising puppies or kittens for one year. Neutering
costs less than spaying at most vets.
• The average annual cost of
basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or
cat is US$400-700.
• About 75% of owned pets are
neutered.
