Facts about Pet Ownership in the U.S.:

 

• About 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)
• About 75 million dogs and about 85 million cats are owned in the United States. (Source: Pet Food Institute)
• According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), about 65 percent of pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost.
• The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20 percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 to 10 percent are purchased from pet shops. (Source: Ralston Purina and NCPPSP)
• At least 20 percent of cats are acquired as strays. (Source: NCPPSP) Many strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
• More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)
• The cost of spaying and neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.
• The average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is $700 to $875 annually.
• About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.