APPA publishes report

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) has published its 2024 Dog and Cat Report: Strategic Insights from the National Pet Owners Survey. This comprehensive report provides over 200 pages of detailed analysis on owner shopping trends, demographics, and behaviors, revealing key insights into how dog and cat owners prioritize the health and quality of life of their pets.

Key Findings from the 2024 Report

1. Increased Use of Calming Products:

   • The use of calming products has surged by 168% for dogs and 174% for cats since 2018
   • Currently, 59% of dog owners and 52% of cat owners use calming products, a significant rise from 22% and 19% respectively in 2018

2. Growing Concern Over Pet Obesity:

   • There is an upward trend in veterinarian-diagnosed obesity in pets, with 12% of dog owners and 17% of cat owners reporting their pets as obese, up from 9% and 15% in 2022
   • Weight-loss diets are also on the rise, with 11% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners reporting their pets are on such diets

3. Vitamin and Supplement Usage:

   • The use of vitamins and supplements has grown by nearly 50% for dogs and 60% for cats since 2018
   • Specifically, prebiotic and probiotic supplements are becoming more common, with 21% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners now using them

4. Emphasis on Quality Time with Pets:

   • Dog owners are increasingly taking their pets to parks and bringing them along on daily errands. 15% of dog owners now take their dogs on daily car errands, up from 10% in 2018.
   • Cat owners are also spending more time outdoors with their pets, with 31% now owning leashes and 23% owning harnesses, significant increases from 2018

5. Traveling with Pets:

   • A large percentage of pet owners are tailoring their travel plans to include their pets, with 88% of dog owners and 90% of cat owners having traveled by car with their pets in the past year
   • There is a notable increase in the number of trips taken with pets, with 34% of dog owners and 30% of cat owners reporting three or more car trips in the last year

APPA President and CEO Peter Scott commented on the findings, stating, "Despite economic pressures, pet owners continue to prioritize their pets' health and quality of life. The data shows a deepening bond between humans and their pets, as well as a growing concern for their well-being, which is reflected in spending on healthcare, supplements, and quality time."