2025 AVMA Data Reveal Shifts in American Pet Ownership and Spending Patterns—A Signal for Global Market Opportunities
Key Findings from the 2025 AVMA Pet Ownership Report
According to the latest data released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the total number of pet dogs in the United States reached 87.3 million in 2025, marking a slight decline from 89.7 million in 2024. In contrast, pet cats increased significantly, reaching 76.3 million in 2025, compared to 73.8 million in the previous year.
For comparison, back in 1996, the U.S. had 52.9 million dogs and 59.8 million cats, underscoring the long-term rise of feline companionship in American households.
With a population of 340 million, the U.S. now houses a combined 163.4 million dogs and cats—nearly one pet for every two people. When mapped against China’s demographics, this data suggests substantial room for growth in China’s pet ownership rate, especially as disposable income and urbanization continue to rise.
Spending Continues to Climb—Veterinary Services Dominate
In 2025, U.S. pet owners spent an average of USD 1,700 annually, an increase of about USD 200 compared to 2023 levels.
Among these expenditures:
- Veterinary care accounted for 32.4% of total spending.
- Dog owners spent approximately USD 598 per year, while cat owners averaged USD 529.
- Owners of other small animals spent an average of USD 552 annually on veterinary-related expenses.
This spending growth demonstrates that as pet ownership stabilizes in mature markets like the U.S., consumption intensity rather than ownership expansion becomes the main growth driver.
Market Dynamics—The Rise of the Cat Economy
Recent consumer research shows a notable shift in new pet purchases:
- 54.5% of new pet owners in 2025 chose dogs, down from 57.3% in 2023.
- Cat ownership rose from 43.5% in 2023 to 47.6% in 2025.
- Purchases of other small animals declined from 11.7% to 9.8%.
These figures indicate a narrowing gap between dog and cat ownership in the U.S.—a reflection of changing lifestyles and preferences.
Cats are increasingly favored for their lower maintenance requirements, indoor adaptability, and urban compatibility—factors resonating strongly with younger, busier pet parents worldwide.
Global Implications—China’s Pet Market on the Rise
For emerging markets such as China, this U.S. data offers a glimpse into the future trajectory of pet ownership and spending patterns. Assuming similar socioeconomic dynamics, China’s combined pet dog and cat population still has significant room for expansion.
With per-pet spending in the U.S. far exceeding that in China, the potential for premiumization and diversification in China’s pet economy is immense.
PETIN.AI, serving For The PET Pros, provides comprehensive insights and trend analysis for pet industry professionals worldwide. These patterns—ranging from shifting pet demographics to evolving spending behaviors—are crucial for manufacturers, retailers, and investors seeking to position themselves for the next stage of industry growth.
Strategic Shifts—Fresh Food and Cross-Border Expansion
Facing slowing growth in domestic markets, many established U.S. pet food manufacturers are pivoting toward new product categories and overseas expansion.
A particularly notable trend is the entry into the fresh pet food segment, driven by the rising demand for human-grade nutrition, transparency, and customized feeding solutions.
At the same time, emerging regions like China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are becoming strategic targets for U.S. brands seeking higher growth margins.
These cross-border movements signal that innovation and localization will define the next phase of the global pet industry.
The Bigger Picture—From Ownership to Experience
The evolution of the U.S. pet market reveals a key insight: once ownership saturates, value creation shifts toward enhancing the pet care experience—from smart feeding systems and telehealth to pet wellness tracking.
This shift reflects a broader global trend: pets are no longer just companions but integral family members, shaping a more emotionally and economically significant market.
As pet care continues to evolve, the intersection of technology, health, and lifestyle will redefine the industry’s growth map worldwide.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and PETIN.AI analysis. The information provided is for industry reference only. If there are any discrepancies in data or copyright concerns, please contact us at info@petin.ai for corrections or removal.
