Pet population and ownership trends in the US

A report published by Packaged Facts in November expresses concern over the aging population in the United States and the effect it will have on the pet industry. 

Although growth in pet ownership has levelled off in the past five years with more than 200 million pets of all kinds in 65 million households, the rapid acceleration of Americans expected to move into their 60s and beyond between 2015 and 2020 has raised warning flags for pet industry leaders. 

"Pet ownership drops off with age," says the report. "While 53% of 65 to 69-year-olds own pets, just 34% of Americans in the 70+ age group have a pet in their home." 

The report, Pet Population and Ownership Trends, takes an in-depth look at these and other trends affecting the future of the pet industry. It includes detailed estimates of the size of the American pet population today and projections of the future growth in the dog and cat population. The report also provides demographic and attitudinal profiles of owners of dogs, cats and other pets such as fish, birds and reptiles. 

This report and other related reports are available for online download from Packaged Facts for a fee. Visit www.packagedfacts.com for more information. 

Maritimes shelters participate in 'Rescue Operation'

Rescue groups and shelters in Canada's Maritimes are preparing to receive an additional 100 cats and dogs transported from over-capacity shelters in the United States. 

The Animal Rescue Corps arrived in Canada earlier this month with 50 stray dogs from Palm Springs, Calif., that were released to shelters in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

Scotlund Haisley, president of the Animal Rescue Corps said the cross-country trip required a lot of planning and it wasn't cheap but that higher vacancy rates in Maritimes shelters meant cutting several small trips into one large one. 

"It's a $15,000 transport," said Haisley. "And this is the first of two transports. So it's about a $30,000 rescue operation."

Vacancies in Canadian shelters and pounds may corroborate reports of a declining trend in pet ownership which was first illuminated in a presentation by Dr. Karen Felsted at Summit 2012.  According to Andrea Stone, Fredericton SPCA, the shelter is currently home to 14 dogs but has the capacity to hold around 30.

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Implications of a Declining Pet Population

2012 US Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook

Evidence presented by Dr. Karen Felsted at Summit 2012 illuminated a declining trend in Pet Ownership. The 2012 US Pet Ownership End of Year (EOY) Stats show a 9.4% decline in cat ownership and a 3% decline in dog ownership from 2006 to 2012. 


The 2012/2013 Urban Animal Report published in February will provide additional details and evidence related to the companion animal industry. However, a discussion is already developing around the implications of this trend on those supporting pet owners and providing services in urban municipalities.

For instance, what are the implications for licensing agencies, humane and rescue organizations who already have challenges and a business model that has tied funding to the numbers of pets being serviced? What about service providers who provide pharmaceuticals, insurance and nutrition? If the number of pets being serviced continues to decline, what kind of enterprise re-factoring will be required?

It is interesting to note, the same study sited by Felsted, shows that dog visits to veterinarians have increased. Can the industry assume it has entered a period when smaller numbers of pets are owned by more responsible pet families who spend more and frequently integrate pets into their daily lives? If so, what kind of implications do these trends have on the connection between leisure/recreational activities of the owners and the pets they enjoy? 

The International Summit in 2013 is directed to understanding the value pet families place on pets in their lives, their homes, their communities and by extension their culture. A new picture of the desires and barriers associated with pet ownership is likely to materialize at Summit 2013 discussions. The importance of gathering information which can benchmark industry trends during the Regional Conferences in April has become very important for this discussion.

These questions are fundamental to the future of the companion animal  industry. Organizers for Summit 2013 have increased the number of available seats slightly and have provided specific invitations to delegates outside the industry who can bring insight to this discussion. 

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