The macro context for pet population growth

With U.S. population growth slowed and consumer debt rising, pet ownership is undergoing a shift.

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David Sprinkle
April 14, 2026
Pet population growth depends on the health of the human population’s economy.
Pet population growth depends on the health of the human population’s economy.
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As argued in my last column, it would be difficult to overstate the link between housing affordability and current pet (especially dog) population trends in the U.S. Several other national population and macroeconomic factors will frame pet population growth, which Packaged Facts projects at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% for dogs and 2.5% for cats for the 2025 through 2029 period.

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