Dogs and cats in America

The report from the pet industry’s leading trade association provides the latest research and insights into the two largest segments of the pet industry, dog and cat owners. The report provides more than 200 pages of comprehensive analysis and visuals on owner purchasing trends, sentiment, demographics and behaviours, with dedicated modules for dog and cat owners. Trends from the report show a demonstrable shift in the way pet owners interact with and care for their pets, with health concerns and quality time as top priorities.

„As the leading voice for the pet products industry, our findings both confirm evolving trends and reveal surprising shifts in how pet owners bond with and care for their pets,“ said APPA President and CEO Peter Scott. „The data tells us that despite economic pressures, the majority of pet owners continue to spend on their pets.“

The use of calming products has increased by 168 per cent for dogs and 174 per cent for cats since 2018, indicating a significant increase in pet owners seeking different solutions to alleviate their pet’s anxiety. 59 per cent of dog owners and 52 per cent of cat owners use some type of calming product, up from 22 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. Among dog owners, there has been a significant increase in the use of anxiety/calming supplements, with 15 per cent of dog owners who give their dog supplements using an anxiety/calming supplement, up from 4 per cent in 2018.

There is an upward trend in vet-diagnosed obesity in dogs and cats and prescribed weight loss diets. 12 per cent of dog owners and 17 per cent of cat owners say their veterinarian considers their pet to be obese (up from 9 and 15 per cent in 2022), while prescribed weight-loss diets are reported by 11 per cent of dog owners and 13 per cent of cat owners (up from 9 and 12 per cent in 2022).

The use of vitamins and supplements has increased by nearly 50 per cent for dogs and 60 per cent for cats since 2018. 50 per cent of dog owners and 32 per cent of cat owners give their pets a vitamin or supplement, up from 34 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements in particular are on the rise, with 21 per cent of dog owners and 28 per cent of cat owners giving their pets prebiotic/probiotic supplements, compared to 17 per cent of dog owners and 21 per cent of cat owners in 2022.