economics

2024 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 2024 demonstrates that the U.S. pet sector contributes $302.64 billion directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy.

This is an increase of 16% from $260.5 billion in 2021.

U.S. Pet Sector Economic Impact

Impact

  • $302.64 Billion

    Total Economic Output

  • $217.3 Billion

    Pet sector contribution to annual gross domestic product

Jobs

  • 2.78 Million

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

Taxes

  • $21.68 Billion

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

State Economic Impact

The below infographics reflect 2024 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
$109.15 billion on their pets.


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

Americans spent $66.9 billion on pet food and treats.

Pet Spending

$66.9 Billion

Pet Food & Treats

$32 Billion

Supplies, Live Animals & OTC Medicine

$39.1 Billion

Vet Care & Product Sales

$12.6 Billion

Other Services

2024 projected pet spending and ownership statistics source: APPA


Pet Ownership

74.7 million

Households in the U.S. have at least one pet.
57%, or about two-thirds, of American households own some type of pet.

98 million

Americans own 186 million dogs and cats.
51% of U.S. households own of a dog and
25% own a cat.

57% of American households own at least one pet

  • Dog51%
  • Cat25%
  • Freshwater Fish7%
  • Bird4%
  • Small Mammal4%
  • Reptile5%
  • Saltwater Fish1%

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