After the pandemic pet ownership surge, American Pet Products Association (APPA) market research suggests that 70% of American households now include a pet of some species, Julie Springer, APPA market analyst said during her presentation at Global Pet Expo on March 24 in Orlando, Florida, USA. Many of those pet owners may be new to caring for animals, according to insights she shared from APPA’s surveys and reports. Of those in the survey who didn’t own pets currently, 18% had owned a pet in the past, while 12% were classified as non-pet-owners.
US pet ownership statistics
In the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, pet owners in the United States responded that 54% of their household contained dogs. Cats followed, making their homes in 35% of households. U.S. pet owners also kept freshwater fish (9%), birds (8%), small animals (5%), reptiles (4%), saltwater fish (2%) and horses (3%).
The survey asked pet owners how long they had owned a pet. The average number of years of pet ownership has declined or remained consistent from 2018 to 2020, she said. A lower average means new pet owners.
Average number of years as a pet owner
Dog
- 2018: 16
- 2020: 14
Cat
- 2018: 15
- 2020: 14
Freshwater Fish
- 2018: 7
- 2020: 6
Saltwater Fish
- 2018: 5
- 2020: 4
Bird
- 2018: 11
- 2020: 8
Small Animal
- 2018: 3
- 2020: 3
Reptile
- 2018: 5
- 2020: 5
Horse
- 2018: 13
- 2020: 10
Among new pet owners and across species, many survey respondents said that the pandemic had influenced their decision to bring a companion animal into their homes.
Influence of COVID-19 on new pet owners
- Dog – 47%
- Cat – 40%
- Freshwater Fish – 34%
- Saltwater Fish – 60%
- Bird – 46%
- Small Animal – 46%
- Reptile – 27%
- Horse – 27%
New pet owners entering the market not only increases the overall market for pet food, it also presents an opportunity for brands to gain a foothold with new customers. For example, a pet owner who buys a puppy formulation may stay brand loyal until their pets need senior formulations.
