The Rise of Pet Obsession in America
Americans are increasingly spending more on their pets, treating them as beloved members of the family. This trend is evident in cities across the country, where dogs are seemingly taking over public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, restaurants, and stores. A thriving industry has emerged to cater to the needs of these furry friends, offering everything from health insurance and hip replacements to gourmet food and high-end accessories.
According to projections from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), U.S. consumers are expected to spend a staggering $150.6 billion on their pets in 2024, surpassing the $147 billion spent last year. To put this into perspective, $150.6 billion is more than the gross domestic product (GDP) of most countries worldwide. If the U.S. pet industry were its own nation, it would rank as the 59th largest economy globally, just behind Ukraine.
Highlighting the unprecedented levels of care and expenditure lavished on pets, Bark Air, a public charter service, recently launched the first commercial flight exclusively for dogs. Marketed as a “fun and humane” option for dogs traveling with their human companions, these flights offer a first-class experience for canines. From dog-centric cabin preparations to a variety of snacks and treats, the airline ensures that dogs have access to noise-cancelling earmuffs and calming jackets. The cost of a flight from New York to Los Angeles in June or July is approximately $6,000.
While Bark Air’s white-glove aviation experience for dogs is an extreme example, it reflects the growing obsession with pampering and owning four-legged companions. The APPA points out that 65.1 million households (almost half of all households) own a dog, while 46.5 million households have a cat. In total, 86.9 million households, or nearly two-thirds of American households, own some kind of pet. The largest pet-owning generation is millennials, accounting for 33 percent of pet owners, with Generation Z pet owners on the rise.
Interestingly, this surge in animal companions coincides with a decline in interest in having children. Only 40 percent of American households have children living in them as of 2022, compared to 48 percent in 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The national fertility rate has also hit an all-time low of 1.62 births per woman in 2023. It seems that childless individuals, especially those living alone, often seek out pets for companionship or as a way to express their nurturing instincts. The rise in single-person households further supports this connection, with over 27 percent of all U.S. households consisting of just one person in 2020, a significant increase from less than 8 percent in 1940.
The increasing popularity of dogs, in particular, suggests that the role of man’s best friend is evolving. Dogs have been a part of human society for thousands of years, serving as companions, guardians, herders, hunters, and more. In the past 150 years, dog breeding during the “Victorian Explosion” created the various dog breeds we know today and solidified dogs’ position as domestic animals and cherished family members.
Today, dogs are becoming more humanized as people invest emotionally in their four-legged companions. While dogs were once seen primarily as companions for children during Victorian England, they are now replacing children in many modern households. The role of dogs in providing emotional support was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns and isolation prompted millions of Americans to adopt a pet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 23 million households adopted a dog or cat between 2020 and 2021.
Several factors contribute to the growing pet ownership trend in America. More people are living alone, spending more time at home due to remote work, and consumer spending continues to increase despite inflation. Each of these factors aligns with increased pet ownership and higher spending on pets. The APPA predicts that spending in the pet industry will exceed $250 billion by 2030.
While luxury items like designer cat beds and private flights for golden retrievers may be out of reach for the average pet owner, it is clear that America’s pet business is on an upward trajectory with no signs of slowing down. As pets continue to hold a special place in the hearts and homes of Americans, the industry will likely continue to thrive, offering new and innovative ways to cater to the needs of our beloved four-legged friends.
