Number of pets (cats and dogs)

In 2026, the number of household cats and dogs in the United States is expected to reach 203.9 million, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year. Recent economic expansion has encouraged greater pet adoption per household, with growth in disposable income supporting this trend. Smaller average household sizes have provided families with additional resources, such as space, time and money, to dedicate to domestic animals. As a result, pet ownership has increased moderately despite recent volatility in adoption rates.

Between 2021 and 2026, the pet population has exhibited fluctuations, but overall growth has remained positive. The number of pets rose by 3.7% in 2021 to 196.0 million as people continued to work from home during the pandemic. However, as businesses fully reopened in 2022, the pet population declined by 1.2% because of a reduction in available time for pet care. This downward trend continued in 2023 with a further 1.2% decrease, primarily related to significant inflation in the cost of living that limited disposable income available for pet-related expenses. The pet population rebounded in 2024 and 2025, rising by 4.8% and 0.5%, respectively, as inflation eased slightly, reviving adoption, especially for cats, which offer lower upkeep than dogs and better fit renters and smaller homes.

At the same time, improved pet healthcare has extended average pet lifespans, contributing to a higher number of aging pets and an increased overall pet population. Despite short-term decreases, long-term trends indicate a resilient preference for pet ownership. Data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reveals that a historically high proportion of US households now own pets, indicating stable demand growth. Broader trends such as rising median household incomes and persistently high public awareness of animal welfare have strengthened the social and economic conditions that underpin pet adoption.

Generational dynamics are pivotal: Gen Z and Millennial cohorts are increasingly building multi-pet households. In 2024 Gen Z alone accounted for about 18.8 million pet-owning households. Social emphasis on animal welfare and adoption, amplified by shelters and rescue organizations, has further normalized pet ownership as a long-term lifestyle choice.