Source: Petfood Industry

According to Packaged Facts’ 2024 report, 50% of U.S. households own a pet, with 38% owning dogs and 24% owning cats. While overall pet ownership rates have remained steady since 2023, a notable shift in trends shows cat ownership increasing slightly while dog ownership has declined from 42% in 2018 to 38% in 2024. A key factor in this shift is the housing affordability crisis, which disproportionately affects dog ownership due to its strong correlation with home ownership, particularly single-family homes.
 
As housing costs rise, more people—especially renters—struggle to afford dogs. Household composition also plays a role, with higher pet ownership rates among married couples with children and higher-income households. Despite the decline in dog ownership among older generations, Gen Z and Millennials show promising trends, helping to stabilize dog ownership rates. This data highlights evolving pet ownership patterns influenced by economic and demographic factors in the U.S.