Survey Offers Some Surprises on Pet Ownership

by Steve Dale

Despite the economic downturn, America's pet population continues to rise, according to the just released 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey. The number of dogs increased to 77.5 million (from 75 million when the survey was taken two years ago). Cat numbers exceeded 90 million for the first time at over 93 million (from 89 million in 2007-2008).

Without a doubt, Americans love their pets; twice as many families have a pet compared to the number of families with at least one child under 18 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau): 62.4 percent to 31 percent.

Still, it's interesting that while the number of pets has increased, the number of homes with pets has not risen. Many owners are simply adding more pets. For example, the number of dog-owning households hit an all-time high of 45.6 million. The number of homes with cats remained about the same. Overall, the number of households with pets remained unchanged over the past two years.

Is this a hint that the pet population might be approaching its maximum after decades of growth?

"That's a good question, and the truth is that we don't know," says Bob Vetere, president and CEO of the APPA. "In my opinion, growth will continue as long as baby boomers continue 'replacing' their kids with grandpets. And right now, when the kids go off to college, they might be 'replaced' with a pet. But after a few more years, I'm not sure. I know, according to the data, that pets really haven't permeated the Hispanic or African-American communities as much as they have elsewhere, so I think there remains room to grow."

The survey also breaks down spending and provides lots of other information. For example, nearly half of all dogs (46 percent) at least sometimes sleep in the owners' or a child's bed. Cats fared even better, at 79 percent sleeping with their people if they felt in the mood.

However, cats didn't always fare as well as dogs in other ways. Among dogs, 66 percent receive flea and/or tick preventatives, but only 41 percent of cats. When it comes to treats, 68 percent of cats get them regularly, where 88 percent of dogs enjoy special yummies. Vetere notes that these numbers were about equal or up from two years ago, and overall, the economy has played little role in pet care.

However, it seems veterinary visits have been impacted by the downturn, and cat visits to the vet pale in comparison to dog visits. According to the survey, 10 percent of dogs never saw a vet in the past year (up from 8 percent); 29 percent saw the veterinarian once (the same as two years ago); 25 percent visited the vet twice (down from 30 percent in the past survey); and 33 percent returned to the vet three times or more (up from 30 percent).

Astoundingly, the survey reveals that over a quarter of all cats (27 percent) never saw a vet in the past year; 38 percent visited a veterinarian once; 16 percent were toted to the vet twice, and 17 percent three times or more. These numbers are all about the same as two years ago.

"Our numbers represent owner answers, so there may be some fudge factor going on -- people who feel they should answer a certain way," Vetere concedes.

Still, this is the only comprehensive pet owner survey of its kind. For whatever reason, ownership of other small mammal pets declined 29 percent from two years ago. The number of pot-bellied pigs (defined in the survey as "small" mammals, though an argument could be made about that!) declined by more than half. Mouse, rat and rabbit numbers also went down. However, there have been increases in ferrets and hamsters.

After a two-decade year-by-year increase in households owning reptiles, that trend seems to have leveled off. Iguanas continue to fall in popularity, now representing only 9 percent of owned reptiles (from their 2002 mark of 17 percent). The most popular reptile pets remain turtles/tortoises at 59 percent, followed by various snakes at 18 percent.

Among pet birds, parakeets (budgies) fell some in popularity (32 percent of pet birds), allowing cockatiels to soar into first place (35 percent), followed by a three-way tie for African Grey Parrots, conures (various species) and lovebirds, all standing at 8 percent.

"Overall, as people have been forced to cut back in many areas, it seems they're rather not cut back on what they give to their pets," says Vetere. "That's probably because of what their pets give them every day. Pets don't critique you or ride your back about not making enough money. Even if you've lost your job, your pets will love you."

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