APPA survey reveals trends on US pet ownership, spending, shopping habits, pet acquisition and more

The 2021-2022 Survey reports pet ownership has increased from an estimated 67% of U.S. households that own a pet to an estimated 70%. Millennials were also revealed to be the largest cohort of pet owners at 32%, followed closely by Boomers at 27% and Gen X at 24%. 

Key findings from the 2021-2022 study

• Pet spending increased during the past year, with 35% of pet owners stating they spent more on their pet/pet supplies – including food, wellness-related products and other pet care items – in the last 12 months than in the preceding year. 
• Fourteen percent of total respondents (pet owners and non-pet owners) obtained a new pet during the pandemic. Additionally, at least one in four new pet owners shared their recent pet acquisition – including saltwater fish (60%), dogs (47%), birds (46%), small animals (46%), cats (40%), freshwater fish (34%), reptiles (27%) and horses (27%) – was influenced by the pandemic.
• Pet owners shopping online increased by almost 20%, from 72% in the prior year to 86% of responses in this year’s study. Before the pandemic, 60% of pet owners usually purchased pet products in person at brick-and-mortar stores. During the pandemic, in-person shopping dropped to 41%, aligning more closely with the 46% of pet owners who prefer to purchase online with purchases shipped to their home.
• Fifty-one percent of pet owners are willing to pay more for ethically sourced pet products and eco-friendly pet products.
• Pet insurance purchases amongst both dog and cat owners have also increased, nearly doubling amongst cat owners in particular.  

“For more than 30 years, APPA has been collecting and reporting consumer insight data through our National Pet Owners Survey, and each year we aim to enhance this industry resource,” says APPA President & CEO Steve King. “The newest edition of The Survey is the most comprehensive yet and we look forward to arming our members and the broader pet care community with the information needed to make strategic, informed business decisions that will help advance our already burgeoning industry.”

For more details, go to APPA’s website here