economics
2021 Economic impact of the U.S. pet sector
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
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.
Featured Pet Statistic
70% of American households own at least one pet
State Economic Impact
The below infographics reflect 2021 data. Click a state to download its economic impact infographic.
It Takes a Community
Support pet care, join the Pet Advocacy Network.
We depend on the support of the responsible pet care community to ensure that pet lovers have opportunities to enjoy the companionship of healthy pets, and that the priorities of pet care businesses are protected now and in the future.
Essential News & Alerts
Keep on top of pet-related media coverage and Pet Advocacy Network news with our members-only daily and quarterly newsletters.
Shape Policy
Join our committees and make connections to lawmakers directing the future of pet care policy.
Pet Care’s Watchdog
Support our work tracking and taking action on issues that could directly impact your business.