More than 8 out of 10 dog owners think of them as their children

A study conducted by Talker Research for The Pets Table, a pet food brand by HelloFresh, shows that 84% of US dog parents view their dogs as their own kids.

Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they would rather cut their own expenses than reduce spending on their dogs, compared to only 9% who would prioritize their own needs.

Additionally, 3 in 4 dog parents (76%) believe their dog is the “main character” in their family, and twice as many respondents said they think of their dog first after a stressful day, even before their partner (41% vs. 19%).

The survey conducted online between July 5 and July 9, 2024, polled 2,000 dog owners to settle some of the most prevalent debates surrounding dog ownership.

Spending soars

The average dog owner spends $612.10 (€549.31) annually on their pets. Remarkably, 1 in 7 dog owners will spend over $1,000 (€897.43) on gifts for their pets each year.

Popular ways of spoiling their pups include premium food and treats (62%), birthday presents (40%) and even dog clothes (21%).

Despite 83% of owners feeling they already feed their dogs a healthy diet—mainly kibble (45%) or a mixed diet (29%)—1 in 7 dog owners have noticed their dog gaining weight in the past 6 months.

One-quarter of respondents said they would consider switching to human-grade dog food, with 77% agreeing that their dog deserves the same quality of food as they do.

Dog lifestyle preferences

Even though most dog owners treat their pets like family members, more than half (56%) dislike the idea of using strollers for their dogs.

However, fur parents are much more lenient when it comes to household rules—70% said it’s perfectly fine for their dogs to lie on the couch, and 67% allowed their dogs on the bed.