US: more pets, but less spending on supplies and vet visits
A new survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association shines light on the most recent pet trends. GlobalPETS takes a look.
According to the 2024 Pet Ownership and Demographic report from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet ownership in the US has continued to rise in 2024. However, despite this growth, pet-related budgets have experienced a shift, with dog owners spending less this year while cat owners splurged more compared to last year.
Rising pet population
The US dog population rebounded to 89.7 million in 2024 after a brief decline in 2023, when it dropped to 80.1 million from 88.3 million the previous year. Meanwhile, the cat population continued its steady growth, reaching 73.8 million this year.
AVMA data shows that 45.5% of US households now own dogs, up from 31.6% in 1996. Cat ownership has also grown to 32.1%, compared to 27.3% in 1996.
Pet spending trends
Despite the increase in pet ownership, total pet spending – excluding adoption or purchase costs – remained consistent at $1,515 (€1,396) in both 2023 and 2024.
The spending patterns in the US varied between dog and cat owners. Dog owners reduced their overall expenditures this year to $1,740 (€1,603) from $1,852 (€1,707) last year, while cat owners saw a slight increase to $1,311 (€1,208) from $1,235 (€1,138) in 2023.
Shifting veterinary spending
Veterinary care accounted for approximately one-third of total spending. Dog owners spent an average of $580 (€534), a 7% decrease, while cat owners spent $433 (€399), a 6% increase compared to the previous year.
According to the AVMA, overall veterinary spending in 2024 decreased by 4% compared to 2023.
Despite the decline, pet owners continue to prioritize regular veterinary care, with 86.8% of dog owners and 77.1% of cat owners reporting that they have a regular veterinarian or veterinary practice.
Fewer American owners took their pets for veterinary visits in 2024, with just 74.2% of dog owners and 57.3% of cat owners reporting clinic visits this year.
Veterinary costs
Veterinary services continue to be a significant expense for pet owners, and satisfaction with the cost remains low.
Only 28% of pet owners reported being extremely satisfied with veterinary costs.
Routine checkups remained the primary reason for vet visits, making up nearly 80% of all veterinary appointments for both dogs and cats.
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