How adoptions are shaping pet ownership in the US

Pet ownership levels in the United States have remained relatively steady, with dogs continuing to be the most commonly owned pets.

According to Shelter Animals Count, in 2024, approximately 4.1 million cats and dogs were adopted nationwide, comprising 2 million dogs and 2 million cats. However, data from Hill’s Pet Nutrition points to a shifting landscape in pet preferences.

Citing Packaged Facts’ 2025 Pet Population & Ownership Report, Hill’s says that while most pet-owning households still have dogs, the share of these has declined by 3% since 2019. In contrast, the percentage of cat-owning households remained stable.

Hill’s notes that this trend may indicate that current cat owners are adopting additional feline companions, some households are shifting from dogs to cats or overall pet adoptions are slowing, with the decline primarily impacting dog ownership.

Adopting a cat

The survey, which polled 2,000 Americans and 500 Canadians, found that 4 in 10 pet owners would prefer to adopt a cat in 2025. 

Reasons included these pets being self-sufficient (62%), personal preference (58%), not requiring outdoor space (36%), needing less living space (33%), being able to groom themselves (33%) and having a lower cost of ownership (25%).

Meanwhile, interest in large dogs remains low, with only a quarter of respondents indicating a preference for them. Medium-sized dogs were the most popular at 47%, followed closely by small dogs at 45%.

Barriers to adoption

Financial constraints continue to be the top reason pet owners hesitate to adopt or are selective about the type of animal they bring home.

The cost of veterinary care remains the most frequently cited barrier, with 87% of respondents expressing concern, a 3% increase from 2024. This cuts across demographics, regardless of age, income or location.

Cost-related concerns also extend beyond veterinary care. Nearly a third (32%) of pet owners now cite the initial expense of adoption as a barrier, up 4% from the previous year. Additionally, 48% point to the overall cost of pet ownership, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase.

Post-adoption challenges are also influencing decisions. Behavioral issues are the most commonly reported problem, cited by 44% of pet owners. Time commitment has also emerged as a growing concern, with 21% of respondents in 2025 highlighting it as a barrier, an 11% increase from 2024.

On the other hand, post-adoption health issues have become less of a concern. In 2025, just 12% of respondents reported it as a problem, an 8% decrease from the previous year.