Two thirds of American households now have at least one pet, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Association.
Pet ownership has risen by about 10 percent over the last three decades, with three-fourths of those surveyed saying they acquired a pet during the pandemic.
Dogs are the most popular, in 65 million households. Cats and fresh water fish rank second and third, in 46 million and 11 million households, respectively.
Read more: Forbes pet-owner statistics 20225
Half the survey respondents said they consider their pets to be as much a part of the family as the humans in the family.
Millennials make up the highest percentage of pet owners at 33 percent, followed by Gen X (25 percent) and baby boomers (24 percent). Gen Z makes up 16 percent of pet owners.
Mirroring the rise in pet ownership has been a large increase in pet insurance.
According to North American Pet Health Insurance Association, almost 6.5 million people have pet insurance, a nearly 13 percent increase over 2023 and more than double the number of people who had pet insurance in 2020.
People are turning to insurance to help offset the rising costs of having pets. Americans are spending upwards of $140 billion annually on pet care, including more than $35 billion on veterinary services.
Read more: America has a shortage of veterinarians, putting students in high demand
However, with the rising number of pets and the need for care, the U.S. is facing shortages in the veterinary and emergency health industries.
On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss your pets, their physical and mental well-being, pet insurance, the availability – and lack thereof - of veterinarians and how having a pet can benefit your well-being.
Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.
You can also record your questions and send them in through email.
Guests
David Dunn, executive director, PetsAlive
Andrew Krebbs, executive director, Monroe County Humane Association
Dr. Ricky Walther, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Operations, Pawlicy Advisor
