Pets are becoming increasingly more popular with each passing year. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2019/2020 National Pet Owners Survey, 68 percent of US households own a pet – up from 56 percent in 1988. The survey also found that small animals like birds, hamsters, and guinea pigs are growing in popularity as well, with over 7 million households choosing to own one of these furry friends.

The survey also revealed that pet owners are willing to spend big on their furry friends. Americans spent over $72 billion on pets in 2019, with the majority of it going towards food, supplies and vet care. One standout statistic is that Americans spend more money on their pets than they do on video games each year – a sign that people are becoming increasingly devoted to their four-legged companions.

In addition to the financial commitment of owning a pet, pets have also been proven to be beneficial for their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies have shown that having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – three common conditions in today’s world. Pet owners are also more likely to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight than those without a pet.

All of these facts show just how much impact our furry friends can have on us, which is why it’s important to keep up with the latest pet news. Whether it’s new research findings or tips from veterinarians and animal behaviorists, staying informed is key when it comes to taking care of our beloved animals. We owe it to them to make sure they get the best care possible and keeping up with the latest pet news makes that a lot easier.

As for which type of pet is most popular, dogs remain king with 63 million households owning one or more canines. Cats come in second place at 42 million households followed by fish (13 million), small animals (7 million) and horses (2 million). Not surprisingly, reptiles have the fewest owners with only 6.5 million households owning one or more of these scaly creatures.

No matter how many legs your pet has, they all bring joy and companionship into our lives. With that in mind, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to own a pet – and with the right care and attention, we can ensure that our furry friends stay happy and healthy for years to come!

What’s interesting though is that there has been an increase in the number of people adopting instead of buying pets. Animal shelters are seeing a surge in adoption requests, with an estimated 6.5 million companion animals entering shelters each year. This is a positive development as it not only benefits homeless pets but also helps clear up space for incoming animals that need help.

This surge in pet ownership is most likely due to an increase in awareness about animal welfare, greater availability of products for pet owners, and changing attitudes about owning pets. For example, millennials have been leading the trend when it comes to embracing pets as family members rather than just companions. This shift has resulted in an increased demand for pet-related products, services, and activities – such as doggy daycare centres, pet spas, and online pet stores.

With the rise of pet ownership also comes new responsibilities for owners. Pet owners need to be aware of the latest health trends and advice to ensure their pets are receiving the best care possible. For instance, recent research has shown that dogs need more exercise than was previously believed in order to stay healthy and fit. This means more walks, playtime with toys and other animals, and even dog runs if available. Additionally, there have been advances in technologies aimed at helping owners better track their pets’ health like fitness trackers or health monitoring apps.

Overall, it’s clear that owning a pet is a major trend in our society – and it’s not going away anytime soon. While it takes commitment, work, and responsibility to own a pet, the rewards are more than worth it! As long as you are prepared and educated on the latest pet health news, owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer.

References:

American Pet Products Association’s 2019/2020 National Pet Owners Survey. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp?ID=158&

Dunnigan, M. (2018). Millennials Lead Trend Of Pets Becoming A Part Of The Family. Forbes Magazine Online. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariadunn