Dog Ownership in the United States: By the Numbers (2024 Update)

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2023–2024 National Pet Owners Survey, dogs remain the most popular pet in the U.S., with ownership at historic highs.

Key Statistics

• 69 million U.S. households (53% of all households) own at least one dog.
• Total pet dogs: Approximately 89.7 million.
• Average dogs per owning household: 1.3.
• Annual spending on dogs: $1,480 per household (food, vet, supplies, grooming, training, boarding).

Trends & Insights

• Pandemic surge: 2020–2021 saw a 10%+ spike in dog acquisitions; rates have stabilized but remain elevated.
• Generational shift: Millennials are the largest dog-owning cohort (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and Boomers (24%).
• Breed preferences: Mixed breeds (rescues) now outnumber purebreds. Top registered breeds (AKC): French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Poodle.
• Urban vs. rural: Ownership rates similar, but urban owners spend more on services (walkers, daycare, premium food).

Economic Impact

The U.S. pet industry reached $147 billion in 2023, with dogs accounting for the largest share. Veterinary care, premium nutrition, and pet tech (trackers, cameras, automated feeders) are growth drivers.

Sources: APPA, AVMA, Simmons Market Research. Figures are estimates; methodology varies by survey.