Pet ownership of all kinds soared during the pandemic as people sought out furry, scaly and feathered friends for companionship, and in 2023, the situation was no different.
Pet trend expert, Pet Buzz Podcast. If you look at the numbers, as of 2023, 66% of US households own pets, which equates to about 87 million households. Looking at the latest pet trends, we can see that Americans continue to prefer unconventional pets. However, the popularity of dogs and cats remains unrivaled.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest pet statistics. American Pet Products Association (APPA).
1. Dogs
It’s no surprise to cat and dog lovers: Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States. 65.1 million households This includes puppies.
In an unexpected twist, 2023 will see French bulldogs overtake Labrador retrievers as the most popular dog breed, after Labradors had topped the list for 31 years. “Pop culture has a huge influence on preferences,” Reid said, adding that the list of celebrities who own the flat-faced dogs includes Lady Gaga, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Reese Witherspoon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman.
With their eagerness and penchant for snuggling on the couch when the time comes, it’s no wonder dogs reign as the most popular pets year after year. But potential dog owners need to consider the time and financial commitment involved in caring for a dog. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)Dog owners spend $367 a year on veterinary care, $339 a year on dog food, and $99 a year on grooming.
2. Cat
Cats are the second most popular pet in the United States. 46.5 million households 2023.
So where do these cats come from? The AVMA reports that 43% of cat owners buy their cat from a store, 40% buy from an animal shelter or rescue, and only 7% choose their cat from a breeder’s kitten.
Cats are said to be less high-maintenance than dogs, but that doesn’t mean cat owners aren’t responsible for giving their cats plenty of exercise and stimulation — and financially, too: According to the AVMA, cat owners spend the most on pet food, veterinary care and toys.
3. Freshwater fish
Freshwater fish are 11.1 million householdsThis is due in part to its compact size and the minimal space it requires.
Setting up a freshwater aquarium involves choosing the right tank size depending on the species of fish you choose, and installing essential equipment like an air pump, filter, lights, etc. Having an eye-catching water feature can improve the aesthetics of your home and enhance the quality of life for your fish.
4. Small animals
Small animals, including friendly creatures such as hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and ferrets, are the fourth most popular pets in the United States. 6.7 million households.
Although these pets are often thought of as caged animals, that doesn’t mean they don’t need socialization, play, and exercise just like other pets. In addition to providing them with quality time outside their cages, decorate their living space with toys that stimulate their minds and stimulate their physical activity. And make sure to research their breeding habits thoroughly before bringing a pair home.
“Last year, shelters across the country reported having a large number of guinea pigs available for adoption,” Reid said, “and many people were adopting pairs without realizing how quickly the numbers could multiply.”
5. Birds
Birds are lifelong companions 6.1 million US householdsIt means to live for a lifetime. Some bird species can live for over 60 years. The longest-lived parrot is the Major Mitchell’s parrot, cookieenjoying a life of 82 years.
While Cookie may be an exception, many of the common birds kept as pets live surprisingly long lives. Cockatiels are one of the most popular types of pet parrots, typically living 15-25 years in captivity, with the longest-lived species recorded living for 35 years.
Like any pet, birds need special care. Annual vet check-ups are a must, and birds need nutrition tailored to their species. Remember, birds are intelligent companions who crave social interaction, so spending time with humans outside their cages is essential for their health.
6. Reptiles
According to APPA: 6 million US households They may also live with reptiles, such as turtles, leopard geckos, and bearded dragons, as well as fish, birds, and small mammals. So There are many reptiles to choose from, based on the size of the pet you can keep, lifespan, and even food preferences, which can include crickets, earthworms, vegetables, and mice.
7. Horse
Although horses may not physically share a home, 2.2 million US households Call your horse a member of the family. Horses make loving pets and, as herd animals, thrive with daily one-on-one interaction with their caregivers and other horses.
Make sure there is enough space and access to boarding facilities: A horse weighing an average of 1,110 pounds needs a minimum of 400 square feet of dry grounds, 72 square feet of shelter, and access to pasture. University of Minnesota Equestrian Club.
Horses eat a lot, too. In addition to high-quality grain, horses should consume about 1 to 2 percent of their body weight in forage, or the edible parts of plants, each day, says Jennifer Rice, PhD, a veterinarian and veterinary writer for PetMD. That means an average horse weighing 1,000 pounds needs to eat 10 to 20 pounds of forage per day.
8. Saltwater fish
Saltwater fish bring joy 2.2 million US householdsWhile many saltwater fish habitats require careful care, beginning saltwater fish hobbyists will find the cardinalfish a less fussy option. Cardinalfish are well suited to smaller aquariums and are very hardy, both in terms of their health during shipping and resistance to disease.
Still, the variety of brightly colored saltwater fish you can have in your aquarium is virtually limitless.
Find the perfect pet for you
If the pet you are considering, say a chicken or spider, isn’t on the list of most popular pets of the year, it doesn’t mean it isn’t right for you or your family. Key factors in determining which pet is right for you include assessing your lifestyle, available space, budget, and your commitment to the daily care of a pet throughout its life.
