1 out of 3 Homes Own a Dog or a Cat
Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 1:07:59 PM by Edward Knittel
In the United States, there are more pets than people, 377.8 million pets versus 290 million people. 64.2 million U.S. households own a pet - 46% of all households own more than one pet.
Those statistics and others might surprise you - but the dollar figures will force you to stand up and take notice.
Recently, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) released new figures proving that the pet care industry is experiencing an explosive growth over the last 10 years. In 1994, the total industry expenditures were $17 billion, nearly doubling in 2003 to $32.4 billion. It's estimated that the number raised nearly 2 billion more for 2004.
"The strong growth in the industry demonstrates what an important role pets are playing in the lives of Americans," said Bob Vetere, APPMA COO and managing director. "They have become a part of the family. Spending across all sectors from pet food and veterinarian care to toys and treats reflects what lengths we are willing to go to for our pets."
Consumers are spending more than ever on their barking and meowing companions, and not just on toys and tiaras. According to the APPMA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for dog and pet owners can be broken down as such:
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Dog kennel boarding - $202
Dog groomer/grooming aids - $107
Cat kennel boarding - $119
Cat groomer/grooming aids - $24
And that's just your average American. These numbers soar when you account for those clients who go that "extra mile" for their pets.
And if you think it's going to slow down consider this fact: pet owners spend more on their pets than they spend on candy or even toys. And that's nothing to bark about.
More information from American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
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