Pet Ownership Statistics 2025: Spotlight on Dogs

Drawing from the latest data, including the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and other trusted sources, here’s a streamlined overview of pet ownership statistics for 2025, focusing on dogs in line with the theme "Dogs: Boosting Wellness for Pets and People":

• Pet Ownership Overview:
  • 71% of U.S. households (about 94 million) own a pet in 2025, up from 56% in 1988.
  • Dogs lead as the top pet, with 65.1 million households (45.5%) owning at least one dog, compared to 47 million for cats and 11 million for freshwater fish.
• Dog Ownership:
  • The U.S. dog population is estimated at 85–89.7 million in 2025, the highest globally.
  • Dogs are in 51% of U.S. households, with Wyoming (72%), West Virginia (71%), and Idaho (58.3%) topping state rankings.
  • French Bulldogs remain the most popular breed in 2025.
  • Dog ownership surged 11% during the 2020 pandemic and remains strong.
• Demographics:
  • Millennials lead pet ownership (30–33%), followed by Gen X (25–27%), Baby Boomers (24–25%), and Gen Z (16–20%). Gen Z’s pet ownership jumped 43.5% from 2023–2024.
  • Higher-income households (>$80,000) have a 60% pet ownership rate, versus 36% for those under $20,000.
  • Rural areas (71%) outpace suburban (62%) and urban (53%) pet ownership.
  • 88.8% of dog owners consider their pets family, with women slightly more likely to own pets.
• Spending on Dogs:
  • Pet industry spending is projected at $157 billion in 2025, with $62.7 billion on food/treats in 2023. Dog owners spend $2,351 annually per dog, versus $1,443 for cats.
  • Veterinary costs average $1,000+ yearly per dog, with vet visits at $147 each in 2024.
  • Pet insurance covers 5.7 million pets (78.6% dogs), with dog premiums averaging $676 yearly.
• Health and Social Benefits:
  • 74% of pet owners report better mental health, with dog owners 41% less depressed than non-owners.
  • Dog owners average 300 minutes of weekly walking, adding 200 minutes of exercise compared to non-owners.
  • Early pet exposure cuts allergy risks in kids by 15%, and pet owners have 26% fewer doctor visits.
  • 97% of owners see dogs as family, with 51% equating them to human relatives.
• Adoption and Shelters:
  • 4.1 million shelter animals (dogs/cats) are adopted yearly, with 44% of dog owners choosing rescues/shelters.
  • 42% of dogs come from stores versus 38% from rescues, showing a breed preference.
  • 6.3 million animals enter shelters annually, with 900,000 euthanized.
• Trends:
  • Dog ownership dipped slightly (57% to 52% of pet households, 2018–2024), while cat ownership rose (21% to 24%).
  • Puppies (<1 year) fell from 11% to 8% of owned dogs, with senior dogs rising to 52%.
  • Pet tech (e.g., smart collars) is projected to hit $3.5 billion by 2027, led by Gen Z.

Tie to "Dogs: Boosting Wellness for Pets and People"

These stats underscore dogs’ role in enhancing wellness:

• Physical Health: 300 weekly walking minutes align with CDC findings that dogs boost activity, lowering obesity and heart disease risks.
• Mental Health: 74% of owners citing mental health gains and 41% lower depression rates echo dogs’ stress-relieving benefits per the CDC’s “Healthy Pets, Healthy People.”
• Social Connections: 97% of owners viewing dogs as family and 60% higher neighborly ties show dogs foster community, supporting well-being.
• Responsible Care: $1,000+ annual vet spending and 86.8% of owners with regular vets reflect CDC guidance on preventing zoonotic diseases.