What Percentage of American Households Have Pets?
Pets are a common sight in American households, and they can bring joy, companionship, and even health benefits to their owners. But just how many American households have pets? The answer may surprise you.
Percentage of American Households with Pets
According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of American households, or about 85 million families, own a pet. This means that nearly two-thirds of American homes have at least one furry friend.
The APPA survey also found that the most popular pets in American households are dogs (60.2%), followed by cats (47.1%), freshwater fish (12.5%), birds (5.7%), and reptiles (4.5%).
Benefits of Owning a Pet
There are many benefits to owning a pet, including:
- Companionship: Pets can provide companionship and emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Exercise: Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise, which can help owners get more active.
- Health benefits: Studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
- Responsibility: Caring for a pet can teach children responsibility and empathy.
- Fun: Pets can provide hours of fun and entertainment.
Challenges of Owning a Pet
Of course, owning a pet also comes with some challenges, including:
- Cost: The cost of food, veterinary care, and other supplies can add up.
- Time: Pets require regular care, including feeding, walking, and grooming.
- Damage: Pets can damage furniture, carpets, and other household items.
- Allergies: Some people are allergic to pet dander or saliva.
- Separation anxiety: Some pets experience separation anxiety when left alone.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the benefits of owning a pet often outweigh the drawbacks. Pets can bring joy, companionship, and even health benefits to their owners. If you're thinking about getting a pet, be sure to do your research and choose a pet that's a good fit for your lifestyle.
Declaration: All article resources on this website, unless otherwise specified or labeled, are collected from online resources. If the content on this website infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of the original author, you can contact this website to delete it.
