Pet ownership expands as Gen Z shifts trends

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) released its 2025 State of the Industry Report, revealing that U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024, with projections of $157 billion for 2025. The report, presented at Global Pet Expo, highlights pet ownership growth, evolving consumer behaviors and emerging challenges in affordability and access to pet care.

“The pet industry continues to demonstrate resilience, even amid economic uncertainty,” said APPA president and CEO Pete Scott. “What’s encouraging is that pet ownership itself is expanding, with 94 million U.S. households now owning at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023. These figures reaffirm that pet care remains a top priority for Americans, reflecting the deep and lasting bond between people and their pets, especially with the Millennials and Gen Zs who are more likely to have multiple pets than their Boomer and Gen X counterparts."

1. The U.S. pet industry continues to grow, with total expenditures reaching $152 billion in 2024. Industry projections indicate spending will rise to $157 billion in 2025. Despite economic fluctuations, 77% of U.S. pet owners report that financial concerns have not impacted their pet ownership.
2. Pet ownership is expanding, with 94 million U.S. households now owning at least one pet, compared to 82 million in 2023. Dog ownership has grown to 51% of U.S. households, equating to 68 million dogs, while cat ownership now accounts for 37% of households, representing 49 million cats.
3. Gen Z is leading pet ownership growth. In 2024, 18.8 million Gen Z households owned a pet, a 43.5% increase from 2023. This generation is also more likely to own multiple pets, with 70% of Gen Z pet owners reporting they have two or more animals.
4. More men, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are acquiring pets. Among Gen Z dog owners, 58% are men, while 63% of Millennial dog owners are male, marking double-digit increases from the previous year. The biggest shift in cat ownership was also among younger men, with 38% of Gen Z cat owners and 46% of Millennial cat owners identifying as male, reflecting substantial growth in male pet ownership.
5. Affordability and access to veterinary and pet care services remain top concerns. Thirty-seven percent of pet owners worry about veterinary care accessibility, with 60% citing affordability as the primary issue. In terms of general pet services, 22% of pet owners express concerns, with 38% pointing to cost and 31% highlighting difficulty in securing appointments.
6. Pets are becoming a bigger part of the workplace. Fourteen percent of employees now report that their workplace allows pets, representing a 17% increase from 2023. Workplace policies are shifting to accommodate pet-friendly environments, with 80% of human resources professionals stating that allowing pets helps attract and retain top talent. Additionally, 75% believe pet-friendly workplaces support return-to-office initiatives.
7. Calming products are in high demand, particularly among younger pet owners. Seventy-eight percent of Gen Z dog owners and 71% of Gen Z cat owners use calming products. Millennials also report significant usage, with 72% of dog owners and 66% of cat owners incorporating these products into their pet care routines.
8. Pet owners are shopping both online and in-store, reinforcing the importance of an omnichannel retail strategy. Currently, 51% of pet product buyers shop online, while 47% prefer in-store purchases.

"Gen Z is driving a remarkable shift in pet ownership," said Ingrid Chu, APPA’s vice president of Insights and Research. "This generation is also leading in multi-pet ownership and relies heavily on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to discover and purchase pet products. As pet brands look to the future, leveraging visual and digital-first strategies will be key to capturing the attention of this rapidly growing demographic."