The American Veterinary Medial Association (AVMA) presented its preliminary data from the 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook during the 2024 AVMA Veterinary Economic and Business Forum, held virtually October 8-9.
According to the results, the pet population continues to increase but at different rates for dogs and cats. Dogs have reached their highest numbers yet after taking a dip last year while the number of cats continues to increase incrementally. The percentage of U.S. households that own dogs and cats have also increased steadily.
The results also showed dog owners spent less overall on their pets this year compared to 2023,while cat owners spent slightly more than they did in 2023. Veterinary care made up about one-third of total spending on pet-related expenses in either year; however, the average amount spent per household on veterinary care for pets decreased by 4% from last year to this year.
- Dog population growth (1996-2024): Increased from 52.9 million in 1996 to a peak of 89.7 million in 2024, with a slight dip to 80.1 million in 2023.
- Cat population stability (1996-2024): Remained relatively stable, growing from 59.8 million in 1996 to 73.8 million in 2024, peaking at 81.7 million in 2006.
- Dog-owning households: Increased from 31.3 million households in 1996 to 59.8 million in 2024, showing a faster growth rate than cat ownership.
- Cat-owning households: Grew more gradually, from 27 million households in 1996 to 42.1 million in 2024.
That means households with dogs now account for nearly half (45.5%) of all U.S. households compared with the low of 31.6% in 1996. Cat-owning households, on the other hand, comprised nearly a third (32.1%) of all households in 2024 versus 27.3% in 1996.
For both dog and cat owners, an overwhelming majority (88.8% and 84.7%, respectively) view their pet as a member of the family.
The sourcebook will be available later this fall. It covers data on the pet population, pet-owning households, pet owner demographics, pet acquisitions, veterinary visits and pet-owner spending.
Responses came from sample surveys of U.S. households in 2023 and early 2024.
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Adapted from a press release.
