The pet industry in the United States

An overview of the pet industry in the United States in 2024, including the most recent statistics and trends.
The growing pet population in the United States
The American dream: a happy way of living wouldn’t be complete without a pet. With many people chasing the American dream, the pet industry in the United States is thriving.
According to IBISWorld’s May 2024 research, there are approximately 196.9 million pets in the country, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals.
As in many countries, pet ownership in the US showed a peak during the pandemic but has now stabilized at 63% of households owning pets. 44% of households own at least one dog in 2024, up from only 39% in 2010.
Pets are part of the American dream, which is evident when owners are asked about their dog’s role in the family. A survey by Talker Research reveals that 84% of US dog owners view their dogs as children, with many prioritizing their pets over personal expenses.
The costs associated with pet ownership have increased significantly, particularly for dog owners, with average veterinary expenses rising to $624 (€562.07). Many dog owners now rely on pet care apps to cope with rising costs.
When traveling, 55% of US dog owners adjust their plans to accommodate their pets, and 47% take their dogs along for trips lasting 2 or more nights. New research unveils the US state of play in pet-friendly rentals.
US pet industry and e-commerce
The pet industry in the United States is booming. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), total sales of pet products are estimated to reach $150.6 billion (€143B) in 2024. This represents more than a 2% increase compared to the actual figures from 2023 ($147B/€139.6B).
This upward trend has been consistent in recent years, primarily fueled by increased spending on premium products and services, including pet food and treats, toys, grooming supplies, medicine and veterinary services.
The convenience of online shopping and subscription services for pet supplies has also driven this growth. US pet owners report that they shop online for pet food to avoid trips to the store (65%), save time (55%) and find better prices (56%).
The rise in e-commerce has made it easier for pet owners to access a wide variety of products, often at competitive prices, further driving the expansion of the pet industry in the United States.
US pet food prices have surged 18.1% over the past 5 years, with Vermont seeing the highest increase at 44.3%.
Supply chain disruptions and global factors, including the Ukraine conflict, have driven these changes, though some states recently experienced slight price declines.
Nearly 90% of pet owners report that inflation affects their pet care expenses, leading many to consider going petless. Meanwhile, 37% have gone into debt for their pets, often due to medical emergencies.
Pets also influence owners’ finances in other ways. Research by Empower shows that 2 in 5 Americans credit their pets with inspiring better financial habits, with an average annual spending of $1,355 (€1,286.40).
Online and brick-and-mortar retail landscape in the United States
The trend toward online shopping has accelerated, with Chewy leading the charge. However, brick-and-mortar stores like Petco and PetSmart remain vital due to their service offerings requiring a physical presence.
Chewy
Among the biggest pet retailers, Chewy stands out as a major player in the online space. With an annual revenue of $11.2 billion (€10.6B) in 2023, it ranks as the top e-commerce pet retailer. The company is known for its wide selection of pet products, fast shipping and customer-centric policies.
Petco
Meanwhile, with its 2023 revenue of $6.3 billion (€6B), Petco remains the leader in the brick-and-mortar category. The company offers services beyond product sales, including 100 in-store veterinary hospitals.
PetSmart
Another major player in US pet retail is PetSmart, which operates 1,522 stores across the US as of June 10, 2024.
This extensive network allows them to maintain a significant presence and the ability to offer both products and essential pet services under one roof, creating a unique value proposition compared to online-only retailers.
In 2023, PetSmart was the first pet retailer to work with Uber Eats to get its products delivered quickly, directly to its customers’ doorsteps.
United States and the import and export of pet products
The United States plays a significant role in the global pet product market, acting as both a major importer and exporter.
In early 2024, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated $300 million (€284.8M) to 66 US organizations to foster the development of new export markets.
This funding is aimed at regions with high growth potential, including Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and South and Southeast Asia. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the US pet product industry’s reach and increase its competitiveness in these emerging markets.
This investment underscores the importance of international trade in the pet industry, encouraging US companies to explore and establish a presence in diverse markets.
In March 2024, the Pet Food Institute in the US reported that pet food exports decreased slightly by about 3% in 2023, falling from $2.48 billion (€2.4B) to $2.4 billion (€2.3B).
The drop was largely due to decreased demand in the Asian market. Despite that, US pet food continued to be in high demand in other regions, and Canada remained its largest importer, underscoring the strong trade relationship between the two countries.
US pet health and insurance
The health and well-being of pets in the US are gaining increased attention. Pet care is evolving rapidly from innovative healthcare solutions to insurance growth and new legislation.
Many owners now rely on social media for pet care advice, with 49% of cat owners and 43% of dog owners seeking guidance online.
Pet obesity is a growing problem, with 59% of dogs and 61% of cats classified as obese in 2022. Many owners are unaware their pets are overweight, reflecting a gap in understanding healthy pet weight.
Disaster preparedness is another area of concern. A survey of 2,000 pet owners by Talker Research found that while most recognize its importance, only 40% have emergency kits ready for their pets.
Legislative efforts are also advancing animal welfare. In 2024, Florida introduced laws to improve veterinary care, while new federal proposals focus on tax relief for vet expenses and breeding protections.
Pet insurance is growing, with 5.7 million insured pets by the end of 2023, a 17% increase over 2022, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s (NAPHIA) 2024 Industry report.
The pet health insurance market, now worth over $4 billion (€4.8B), has attracted major providers offering comprehensive coverage.
Despite this growth, inflation has impacted the industry. Nationwide Pet announced it would pause the renewal of 100,000 policies until mid-2025 due to rising veterinary costs.
The US pet care landscape reflects growing innovation, investment and a deeper commitment to animal welfare. This trend underscores the vital role pets play in American households.
Other United States pet industry facts
- The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that while premium dog food purchases in the US have stabilized at 39%, the use of food toppers has doubled from 7% to 15% since 2018. This indicates a growing interest in enhancing basic dog food rather than solely relying on premium options.
- Data from American retailer Kroger reveals that 70% of pet food buyers are loyal to a specific brand, and 68% stick to a preferred retailer.