The American Veterinary Medical Association recently released its latest Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. The number of pets in the U.S. is increasing, including non-traditional exotic pets like birds and reptiles.
Here’s a summary of some of the key findings:
- 57% of all U.S. households own at least one pet.
- The number of households with dogs is at a record high (38%) with cat owning households coming in second (25%).
- 13% of all U.S. households have some sort of exotic pet, an increase of 25% from the 2011 pet ownership survey.
- The trend of keeping poultry as pets has been growing at a rate of 23% over the last 5 years.
- The number of households with pets is highest in rural states, with Wyoming, West Virginia, and Nebraska at the top of the list.
- The states with the least number of pets are Rhode Island, South Dakota, New York, and New Jersey.
- Dog owners are more likely to take their pets to the veterinarian than owners of other animals.
The Sourcebook is available for purchase via the AVMA website, and AVMA members can download the Executive Summary at no cost.
Some fascinating figures on states with the highest and lowest number of pets.
Yes, 72% of people in Wyoming own pets…my kind of place.
That stat was particularly surprising.
It was!
I live in NY. I guess we are a minority.
I think they mentioned something about states with more urban areas having less pets per household. Makes sense for apartment living. I grew up in NJ and know that plenty of suburban and rural east coasters have lots of animal companions!
I know we sure have our share. Now it seems we have a rabbit living in our bushes who shows no fear from either myself or my husband. Unbelievable!
Awww…maybe an escaped pet?
I don’t think so. This is a wild bunny. No doubt about it.
❤
Interesting article, thanks for sharing. I’m curious about the number of pets in Connecticut, though.
According to the AVMA, Connecticut is at a 50% pet ownership rate (8th lowest and common for states with large urban areas).