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economics

2021 Economic impact of the U.S. pet sector

National Impact

The care and companionship of pets is integral to not only the emotional and physical health and well-being of people, but also to the strength and stability of our economy.

New data through 2021 demonstrates that the U.S. pet sector contributes $260.5 billion directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy.

This is an increase of 18% from $221 billion in 2015.

U.S. Pet Sector Economic Impact

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Impact

  • $260.5 Billion

    Total Economic Output

  • $174 Billion

    Pet sector contribution to annual gross domestic product

Jobs

  • 2.78 Million

    U.S. jobs are directly and indirectly linked to pets

Taxes

  • $23.4 Billion

    Public revenues generated by consumer expenditures on pets from local, state and federal taxes

State Economic Impact

The below infographics reflect 2021 data. Click a state to download its economic impact infographic.

If printing on a local printer, adjust the settings to “fit to page” for optimal results.

A small brown dog eating food from a metal bowl.

U.S. households spent
$93.95 billion on their pets.


Pet food, including treats, is the largest expense for most pet owners.

Americans spent $50 billion on pet food and treats.

Pet Spending

$50 Billion

Pet Food & Treats

$29.8 Billion

Supplies, Live Animals & OTC Medicine

$34.3 Billion

Vet Care & Product Sales

$9.5 Billion

Other Services

Pet spending and ownership statistics source: APPA

Pet Ownership

84.9 million

Households in the U.S. have at least one pet.
70%, or about two-thirds, of American households own some type of pet.

186 million

Americans own 186 million dogs and cats.
54% of U.S. households own of a dog and
35% own a cat.

23 million

U.S. households brought home a new pet between spring of 2019 and summer of 2021.

70% of American households own at least one pet

  • Dog54%
  • Cat35%
  • Freshwater Fish9%
  • Bird8%
  • Small Mammal5%
  • Reptile4%
  • Saltwater Fish2%

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