HRC Research Primer: Companion Animals (vol. 1)

This primer summarizes the available research regarding the number of companion animals in households in the United States, and related issues.

The Bottom Line: In the United States, an estimated 154 million dogs and cats (the most common companion animals) live in 60% of U.S. households. The profile of owners’ demographics varies by country, but in the U.S. pet owners are more likely to be women, Generation Xers, and Baby Boomers. In some countries, companion animals are considered a “luxury,” and majorities of people in almost all surveys say they relate to their pets as members of the family.

Please download the 6-page primer using the link below (you must be a registered user and logged in to access the file).

For more information and research relating to companion animal overpopulation and related issues, see the separate HRC primer, Companion Animals (volume 2).