American Dog Population Rises to 77.5 Million

Other Findings:

• 17% of dog owners have implanted an electronic tracking device in their dog; those in the Western region are more likely to have them than in other parts of the country.
• Dog visits to the vet average 2.8 per year.
• 13% of dogs and 21% of cats are obese, according to veterinary standards.
• 15% of dog owners say they would prioritize their dog's medical expenses over their own.
• 7% of dog, cat, bird, and horse owners say they have made financial provisions for their pet in their will.
• One third of dog, cat, and bird owners and nearly half of horse owners have named a guardian for their pet in their will.
• 20% of vacationing dog owners take their dogs with them on car vacations, averaging 5 car trips per year.
• 3% of dog owners take their dogs to work more than once a month.
• In a disaster situation, more than half of dog, cat, bird, reptile and other small animal owners say they would take their pets with them. Less than 10% say they would bring their animal to a shelter or abandon them.
• More than half of pet owners have purchased a gift for their pet in the last year.