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United States Pet Population and Ownership Trends Report 2022 with Focus on Cats and Dogs

In the wake of COVID-19, pet ownership rates in the U.S. have plateaued. The percentage of U.S. households owning pets slipped slightly from 54% in 2018 to 52% in 2022, for a current total of 68 million pet-owning households.

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Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Daily News Staff

DUBLIN /PRNewswire/ — The “Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the U.S., 6th Edition” report has been added to  ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

In the wake of COVID-19, pet ownership rates in the U.S. have plateaued. The percentage of U.S. households owning pets slipped slightly from 54% in 2018 to 52% in 2022, for a current total of 68 million pet-owning households.

Update: According to the most recent data from the World Animal Foundation, an impressive 86.9 million households in the U.S. now own a pet. This figure represents about 66% of all American households, highlighting the nation’s deep love and commitment to animals. For more detailed insights, visit the World Animal Foundation’s full report on pet ownership statistics here.

The analysis in this report also covers demographic changes from pre-COVID 2017 to post-COVID 2022 in the key pet owner variables of gender(s) in household, generational cohort, race/ethnicity, household income, household composition by marital status and presence/absence of children, and type of residence.

orange tabby cat beside fawn short coated puppy. Pet ownership
Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com

There is no debate over a pandemic-fueled spike in pet care spending in recent years, and a pet adoption bump did occur in response to the sudden stay-at-home/work-from-home dynamics of this COVID-19 era. Nonetheless, as detailed in this report from the publisher, the peak years of pet population gains occurred in the middle of the past decade, rather than post-COVID in the early 2020s.

Pet Ownership: Cats & Dogs

Focusing on dogs and cats, Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the U.S. provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of pet ownership rates, pet population characteristics, and pet owner demographics. This report also provides topline coverage of ownership rates for other types of pets (fish, small mammals, herptiles, and birds).

In addition to laying out key pet owner psychographics and their market implications, this report covers post-pandemic pet acquisition trends by nature of pet adoption (planned, impulse, gift), type of pet, source of pet adoption or acquisition, age of dogs or cats adopted, and size of dogs adopted.

This report includes numerous detailed tables showing historically trended household ownership rates and pet-owner demographics across several metrics:

  • By ownership of dogs and/or cats, dogs, cats, and dogs as well as cats
  • By number of dogs or cats owned
  • By age of dogs or cats owned
  • By size (in lbs.) of dogs owned

Key Topics Covered:

CHAPTER 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

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  • Two Consumer Survey Sources
  • Publisher Data
  • MRI-Simmons Data

PET OWNERSHIP OVERVIEW

  • Pet Population Overview
  • Topline Pet Ownership Rates and Customer Base
  • Mixed Pet Ownership Trends in Wake of COVID-19
  • Increase in Upper-Income, Decrease in Lower-Income Pet Owners
  • Key Pet Owner Psychographics
  • Pet Parenting and Pets as Family
  • Pet Parenting Day and Night
  • The Pet Market as Health Market
  • Pet Parents Hunt for Pet Health Products
  • Addressing Pet Stress Among Dogs and Cats
  • Addressing Aging, Weight Conditions of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinarians’ Status as Pet Care Arbiters Is Under Pressure
  • Pet Food as Health Care
  • Telemedicine and “Smart” Health Product Trends
  • Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
  • Overall Pet Acquisition Trends: Dogs, Cats, Other Pets
  • Pet Acquisition Sequence by Type of Pet
  • Industry-Wide Focus on Pet Adoption
  • Annual Pet Acquisition Trends
  • Pet Acquisition Patterns by Type
  • Age of Dogs Adopted
  • Size of Dogs/Cats Adopted
  • Impulse vs. Planned: Nature of Pet Acquisition
  • Sources of Pet Acquisition
  • Influencers on Pet Adoption
  • Overall Pet Owner Demographics
  • Key Demographic Variables to Pet Ownership Rates

PET POPULATION PROJECTIONS: FOCUS ON DOGS AND CATS

  • Dog or Cat Ownership Demographics
  • Topline Ownership Rates and Customer Base
  • Dog and Cat Ownership Demographics
  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Dog Ownership Trends
  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Trends by Number of Dogs Owned
  • Over Half of Dog Owners Have Senior Dogs
  • Trend Away From Smallest Dogs
  • Most Popular Breeds of Dog Owned
  • Overweight and Special Needs Dogs
  • Cat Ownership Trends
  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Cats Gain Market Representation
  • Trends by Number of Cats Owned
  • Size of Cats Owned
  • Growth in Share of Cat Owners with Senior Cats

FOCUS ON OTHER PETS

  • Topline Ownership Rates and Customer Base
  • 14% of Households Own “Other Pets”
  • A Return to Form for Other Pets
  • Types of Freshwater Fish Owned
  • Types of Birds Owned
  • Types of Herptiles Owned
  • Types of Small Mammals Owned

CHAPTER 2: PET OWNERSHIP OVERVIEW

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Topline Pet Ownership Rates and Customer Base
  • Mixed Pet Ownership Trends in Wake of COVID-19
  • Increase in Upper-Income, Decrease in Lower-Income Pet Owners

KEY PET OWNER PSYCHOGRAPHICS

  • Pet Parenting and Pets as Family
  • Pet Parenting Day and Night
  • The Pet Market as Health Market
  • Pet Parents Hunt for Pet Health Products
  • Addressing Pet Stress Among Dogs and Cats
  • Addressing Aging, Weight Conditions of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinarians’ Status as Pet Care Arbiters Is Under Pressure
  • Pet Food as Health Care
  • Telemedicine and “Smart” Health Product Trends
  • Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

OVERALL PET ACQUISITION TRENDS: DOGS, CATS, OTHER PETS

  • Pet Acquisition Sequence by Type of Pet
  • Industry-Wide Focus on Pet Adoption
  • Annual Pet Acquisition Trends
  • Pet Acquisition Patterns by Type
  • Age of Dogs Adopted
  • Size of Dogs/Cats Adopted
  • Impulse vs. Planned: Nature of Pet Acquisition
  • Sources of Pet Acquisition
  • Influencers on Pet Adoption

OVERALL PET OWNER DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Key Demographic Variables to Pet Ownership Rates
  • Key Demographic Variables and Pet Ownership Growth

DETAILED DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES FOR PET OWNERSHIP OVERALL

  • Ownership Rates and Customer Base

PET POPULATION PROJECTIONS

CHAPTER 3: FOCUS ON DOGS AND CATS

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

DOG OR CAT OWNERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Topline Ownership Rates and Customer Base
  • Key Demographic Variables to Dog or Cat Ownership Rates
  • Key Demographic Variables and Dog or Cat Ownership Growth

DETAILED DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES FOR OWNERSHIP OF DOGS OR CATS

  • Ownership Rates and Customer Base

DOG AND CAT OWNERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Key Demographic Variables to Dog + Cat Ownership Rates
  • Key Demographic Variables and Dog and Cat Ownership Growth

DETAILED DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES FOR OWNERSHIP OF DOGS AND CATS

  • Ownership Rates and Customer Base

DOG OWNERSHIP TRENDS

  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Trends by Number of Dogs Owned
  • Over Half of Dog Owners Have Senior Dogs
  • Trend Away From Smallest Dogs
  • Most Popular Breeds of Dog Owned
  • Overweight and Special Needs Dogs

DOG OWNERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Key Demographic Variables to Dog Ownership Rates
  • Key Demographic Variables and Dog Ownership Growth

DETAILED DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES FOR DOG OWNERSHIP

  • Ownership Rates and Customer Base

CAT OWNERSHIP TRENDS

  • Topline Ownership Rates and Population
  • Cats Gain Market Representation
  • Trends by Number of Cats Owned
  • Size of Cats Owned
  • Growth in Share of Cat Owners with Senior Cats
  • Overweight and Special Needs Cats

CAT OWNERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Key Demographic Variables to Cat Ownership Rates
  • Key Demographic Variables and Cat Ownership Growtha

DETAILED DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES FOR CAT OWNERSHIP

  • Ownership Rates and Customer Base

CHAPTER 4: FOCUS ON OTHER PETS

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

TOPLINE OWNERSHIP RATES AND CUSTOMER BASE

  • 14% of Households Own “Other Pets”
  • A Return to Form for Other Pets
  • Types of Freshwater Fish Owned
  • Types of Birds Owned
  • Types of Herptiles Owned
  • Types of Small Mammals Owned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tgidu7

SOURCE Research and Markets

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

https://stmdailynews.com/celebrate-your-4-legged-friend-3-ways-to-give-back-during-national-dog-month/

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The Farmer’s Dog Launches Human-Grade Dog Meal Plans on Walmart.com

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The Farmer’s Dog is expanding its reach through a new retail collaboration with Walmart, a move that will make its personalized, human-grade dog meal plans available to more pet owners across the United States. According to a corrected press release issued March 24, the company’s service will become available through Walmart.com beginning in April, marking The Farmer’s Dog’s first launch into retail.

The Farmer’s Dog
(PRNewsfoto/The Farmer’s Dog)

The New York-based company says the partnership is designed to increase access to minimally processed dog food at a national scale. By working with Walmart, The Farmer’s Dog aims to connect with millions of dog families who may be looking for alternatives to more heavily processed pet food options. The company has positioned itself as a leader in human-grade pet nutrition, emphasizing meals made to support long-term canine health.

Jonathan Regev, CEO and co-founder of The Farmer’s Dog, said the company was founded on the belief that real food can make a meaningful difference in dogs’ lives. He described the Walmart collaboration as an opportunity to meet pet owners where they already shop and to help more dogs eat better and live healthier lives. Walmart also framed the partnership as part of its broader effort to offer customers products and services for every member of the household, including pets.

Since its founding, The Farmer’s Dog says it has served more than 1 billion meals and helped shift consumer attention toward fresher, less processed nutrition for dogs. The company also pointed to published metabolomics research that it says demonstrates health improvements associated with its meals. With the Walmart launch set for April, dog owners nationwide will soon have another way to access The Farmer’s Dog’s personalized meal plans online.

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Pup-Peroni Launches Walmart Contest to Find Its Next Pup Star

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Pup-Peroni is giving dog owners a new reason to show off their pets. The brand has teamed up with Walmart to launch the nationwide #BestPup_Contest, a promotion that will give one winning dog the chance to appear on limited-edition Pup-Peroni packaging sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online.

Pup-Peroni and Walmart have launched the #BestPup_Contest, giving one winning dog the chance to appear on limited-edition packaging and win a $5,000 gift card.
#BestPup_Contest

The campaign ties into Pup-Peroni’s broader Treat the Best to the Best messaging and turns social sharing into a high-visibility brand moment. Rather than offering a standard giveaway alone, the contest invites pet parents to compete for something more memorable: a spot on real retail packaging.

How the Contest Works

To enter, dog owners must post a photo or video on Instagram or TikTok from a public account and include a one-sentence caption explaining why their dog is the best. Entries must also include the hashtag #BestPup_Contest and tag @PupPeroni and @Walmart.

According to the announcement, entries are being accepted through May 27, 2026. The contest is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., age 18 or older. No purchase is necessary.

What the Winners Receive

The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 Walmart gift card and have their dog featured on limited-edition Pup-Peroni Original Beef Recipe packaging beginning in August at select Walmart locations and online. Five runners-up will each receive a $1,000 Walmart gift card, a year’s supply of Pup-Peroni treats, and custom medals.

The promotion stands out because it blends user-generated content, retail exclusivity, and pet-owner enthusiasm into one campaign. For a brand built around the bond between dogs and their owners, it is a smart way to turn everyday social behavior into a branded experience that feels personal and shareable. Summer Treats Await! 12% Off Pet Supplies + Free Shipping. Use Coupon: SUMROFF

Product and Brand Details

Pup-Peroni says its Original Beef Recipe treats are made with real beef as the first ingredient and slow-cooked for 2.5 hours for a tender texture and rich flavor. The product is available at grocery stores and major retailers, including Walmart.

Since 1984, Pup-Peroni has positioned itself as a craveable dog treat brand focused on bringing dogs and owners closer together. This latest Walmart-exclusive contest extends that identity with a campaign designed to celebrate dogs while driving attention both online and in-store.

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Pet Food Recall Raises Health Concerns Nationwide: What Pet Owners Need to Know

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a chihuahua in a vest looking at a paper container. pet food recall
Photo by Pırıl Şahin on Pexels.com


Raw Pet Food Recall Raises Health Concerns Nationwide—Here’s What Pet Owners Need to Know

A pet food recall tied to dangerous bacteria is raising concerns beyond the Northeast, highlighting growing risks associated with raw pet diets. The recall involves products from Raaw Energy, LLC, a New Jersey-based company, after testing revealed contamination with multiple harmful pathogens.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected products tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Campylobacter jejuni—all of which can cause serious illness in both pets and humans.

Why This Recall Matters Nationwide

Although the recalled products were primarily distributed across Northeastern states, this story has broader implications for pet owners across the United States, including here in Arizona.

Raw pet food diets have grown in popularity in recent years, often marketed as a more natural alternative to traditional kibble. However, veterinary experts and federal agencies have consistently warned that raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Summer Treats Await! 12% Off Pet Supplies + Free Shipping. Use Coupon: SUMROFF

This recall reinforces those concerns, especially as it involves multiple products and several types of harmful bacteria—suggesting potential issues with handling or production safety.

Health Risks for Pets and Humans

One of the most important takeaways from this recall is that it is not just about pet safety—it’s also a human health issue.

  • Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal illness
  • Listeria can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems
  • Campylobacter infections can lead to fever, cramping, and diarrhea

Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet food, touching contaminated surfaces, or failing to properly wash hands after feeding pets.

Pets May Not Show Immediate Symptoms

Another concern is that pets infected with these bacteria may not show obvious symptoms right away. Even healthy-looking animals can carry and spread bacteria in the home, increasing the risk for owners and family members.

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Products Included in the Recall

The recall affects multiple raw pet food products, including chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon blends sold in 2-pound and 5-pound tubes with 2025 date codes.

The wide range of affected products suggests this is not an isolated batch issue, but a broader safety concern.

What Pet Owners Should Do Now

If you feed your pet raw food or have purchased products from Raaw Energy, take the following steps immediately:

  • Check packaging and date codes carefully
  • Do not feed any recalled products
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food
  • Sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and surfaces
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms

An Ongoing Investigation

The FDA has not yet assigned an official classification to this recall, meaning the overall risk level is still under evaluation. Additional updates or expanded recalls could follow as more information becomes available.

For now, experts say this serves as a reminder that while raw pet food diets may appeal to some owners, they come with real and sometimes overlooked risks.

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The Bottom Line

This recall is more than a regional issue—it’s part of a growing national conversation about pet food safety. For pet owners, the priority is simple: stay informed, handle pet food safely, and act quickly when recalls are announced.

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