Economic Impact of the U.S. Pet Industry- Pet Advocacy Network (2024)

economics

Economic Impact of the U.S. Pet Industry- Pet Advocacy Network (1)

National Impact

The care and companionship of pets is integral to not only the emotional and physical health and well-being of people, but also to the strength and stability of our economy.

New data through 2021 demonstrates that the U.S. pet sector contributes $260.5 billion directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy.

This is an increase of 18% from $221 billion in 2015.

U.S. Pet Sector Economic Impact

Impact

  • $260.5 Billion

    Total Economic Output

  • $174 Billion

    Pet sector contribution to annual gross domestic product

Jobs

  • 2.78 Million

    U.S. jobs are directly and indirectly linked to pets

Taxes

  • $23.4 Billion

    Public revenues generated by consumer expenditures on pets from local, state and federal taxes

State Economic Impact

The below infographics reflect 2021 data. Click a state to download its economic impact infographic.

If printing on a local printer, adjust the settings to “fit to page” for optimal results.

Economic Impact of the U.S. Pet Industry- Pet Advocacy Network (2)

U.S. households spent
$93.95 billion on their pets.


Pet food, including treats, is the largest expense for most pet owners.

Americans spent $50 billion on pet food and treats.

Pet Spending

$50 Billion

Pet Food & Treats

$29.8 Billion

Supplies, Live Animals & OTC Medicine

$9.5 Billion

Other Services

Pet spending and ownership statistics source: APPA

Pet Ownership

84.9 million

Households in the U.S. have at least one pet.
70%, or about two-thirds, of American households own some type of pet.

186 million

Americans own 186 million dogs and cats.
54% of U.S. households own of a dog and
35% own a cat.

23 million

U.S. households brought home a new pet between spring of 2019 and summer of 2021.

Featured Pet Statistic

70% of American households own at least one pet

  • Dog54%

  • Cat35%

  • Freshwater Fish9%

  • Bird8%

  • Small Mammal5%

  • Reptile4%

  • Saltwater Fish2%

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Economic Impact of the U.S. Pet Industry- Pet Advocacy Network (2024)

FAQs

Economic Impact of the U.S. Pet Industry- Pet Advocacy Network? ›

The pet sector contributed $260.5 billion directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy and accounted for a net contribution to the annual gross domestic product (GDP) of $174.67 billion in 2021, according to new data.

What is the economic impact of the pet industry? ›

National Impact

New data through 2021 demonstrates that the U.S. pet sector contributes $260.5 billion directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy. This is an increase of 18% from $221 billion in 2015.

What is the amount of jobs the US pet industry provides to the economy? ›

The analysis also found that the pet sector supports nearly 2.78 million jobs across the country, with an estimated 1.09 million people working directly in pet related businesses and another 1.68 million jobs linked indirectly to consumer expenditures for pets.

How do animals impact the economy? ›

Livestock is a major player in the agriculture industry on both a domestic and global scale. In the most basic form, the livestock industry supports the livelihood of over one billion people globally. Additionally, animals and animal products bring in billions of dollars each year.

What is the value of the pet industry in the US? ›

Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures

In 2022, $136.8 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S. In 2023, a total of $143.6 billion in sales is projected in the U.S.

How does the pet industry affect the environment? ›

The pet food industry and its industrial meat production is the biggest cause of global deforestation. In addition, feeding dogs and cats creates the equivalent of around 64 million tons of carbon dioxide in the US each year which has roughly the same impact as 13.6 million cars on the road.

What are the negatives of the pet industry? ›

In addition to contributing to animal homelessness and suffering, many breeders endanger animals' health by breeding dogs who are related to each other, which can cause life-threatening genetic defects, and manipulating animals' genetics for specific physical features, such as “pushed-in” noses (which can cause serious ...

How profitable is the pet industry? ›

The pet industry is doing fantastic in 2024 so far. According to Michigan State University, the pet industry had an overall economic contribution in 2023 of $303 billion, an increase of 16% from 2022.

How much money does the animal industry make? ›

This statistic shows the income made by farms in the United States from livestock and products between 2001 and 2023, with a forecast for 2024. At the end of 2023, farms' cash receipts from this commodity came to around 244.4 billion U.S. dollars.

What is the market value of the pet industry? ›

MARKET OVERVIEW

The global pet care market was valued at USD 295 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 400.40 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.22%. The pet care market includes various attributes such as pet food, veterinary and medication, insurance, pet services, and others.

How do pets help the economy? ›

U.S. pet owners spent the most on pet food and treats, which accounted for $50 billion of the $93.95 billion spent directly on pets in 2021, the study found. Consumer expenditures on pets also generated public revenues from local, state and federal taxes of $23.4 billion, according to the study.

What are the economic importance of domestic animals? ›

Animals like cows provide us with dairy products, goats with meat, chickens with eggs and meat. Cows, buffalo and horses are used as a medium for transportation.

How does industry affect animals? ›

Illegal logging and the conversion of natural forests to tree plantations destroys critical habitat for animals. Animal products like leather and feather down are also used in this industry, exposing it to wild and captive animal welfare risks.

How big is the US pet market? ›

US Pet Market Size
Study Period2019 - 2029
Market Size (2029)USD 103.27 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029)5.06 %
Market ConcentrationLow
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
2 more rows

What is lacking in the pet industry in America? ›

Some of the major challenges include rising costs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, increasing competition, and changing consumer preferences. Despite these challenges, the pet care industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Is the pet industry growing or shrinking? ›

The Pet Industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections of reaching a whopping $500 billion by 2030. This remarkable expansion goes beyond conventional pet care, driven by the premiumization of pet food and services, reflecting the deepening human-animal bond.

What is the economic importance of dog to human? ›

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

If trained properly and treated well, dogs are loyal and protective animals. Domestic dogs have been bred to many purposes throughout the millenia, including as draft animals, guards, hunting, herding, and fishing aids, and as lap animals.

How much is the pet market industry worth? ›

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

The global pet care market size was valued at USD 246.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 259.37 billion in 2024 to USD 427.75 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.45% during the forecast period. Pets are considered members of the family among a vast majority of pet owners.

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