While numbers vary from survey to study, everybody agrees that Americans love pets. In fact, according to Lemonade, as many as 70 percent of all households in the United States own one or another — that’s around 90.5 million pet-owning families, with many of those households owning more than one.
The reasons for pet ownership are as unique as the pets people keep, with plenty of studies showing pets can be an essential part of our daily lives. Interacting with animals can decrease stress, lower blood pressure, boost moods, and reduce loneliness. Currently, a NIH/Mars partnership and others are funding a range of studies on how animals might influence child development, including being beneficial for those with autism or ADHD.
So which pets are among the most popular? The top two most popular pets shouldn’t surprise you. They belong to an age-old rivalry that always asks if you are one kind of person or another — a dog lover or a cat lover.
The question is asked so often that psychologists have jumped on board, with one study conducted by Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, suggesting the answer may have to do with personality types. The study claims that dog lovers tended to be more energetic, outgoing, and tied to a routine, while cat lovers tended to be more introverted, open-minded, and spontaneous. If this is true, Americans may be slightly more extroverted because dogs still edge out their quieter counterparts.
What are the most popular pets in the United States?
Dogs. Representing almost 340 different breeds, dogs are owned by 69 million households in the United States. The Belgium-based Fédération Cynologique Internationale (or International Canine Federation) divides these breeds into ten groups. While these different groupings suggest many dogs have unique functions, the most common reason to own a dog is their companionship. They trust easily, conform to routines, and can be trained. But, conversely, they do demand a little more of their owner’s time.
Cats. Considering how great cats are for people with tiny homes and apartments, it’s no surprise that about 45 million households own cats. Known to be more independent than dogs, they don’t mind being left home alone. And, since many are solitary animals, some even prefer it. Depending on which organization you ask, there are somewhere between 45 and 73 different breeds of cats, with some groups being stricter at counting non-pedigreed cats than others. Like dogs, cats bring unconditional love into homes, except some might say you have to earn their trust.
Fish. Coming in as the third most popular pet, more than 11.8 million households have a fish tank. Although they are not companion animals, they provide a tranquil and calming affect on people who own them. Compared to other pets, they are relatively easy to care for and only require a small self-contained space that owners often choose based on appearance. Most aquariums are low maintenance, provided you live in an area with an adequate water supply. As for pets, they are among the most diverse, assuming you know that some interact together better than others.
Reptiles. As many as 4.5 million households own reptiles (and amphibians) in the United States, which includes a broad range of animals, with turtles, snakes, lizards, and frogs being the most common. Generally speaking, they are popular because they are quiet, odorless, and don’t require much attention. However, it’s important to know there are a litany of laws surrounding many reptiles, including bans of particular kinds in many states and municipalities. A few, like turtles, are also subject to federal laws that prevent their sale with shells under 4 inches.
Guinea Pigs. Given how small, gentle, and personable they can be, it’s no surprise guinea pigs or “cavies” have become increasingly common as a family pets. According to Kavee Cage, around 3.5 million households own guinea pigs today, edging out all other rodent-type pets. (We say “rodent-like” because there is some debate about their classification). As a pet, they are generally housed in large, solid bottom cages with bedding, hiding areas, and space for play activities. But cavies are also very social animals, with each other and mindful humans. Some owners even communicate with their cavies by mimicking their sounds.
Birds. In recent years, bird ownership has also grown to include about 3.5 million households. They don’t require walks and are kept in cages when not being cared for by their owners. Just don’t be fooled. Except for small birds, like canaries, most need several hours a day outside their cages to interact with their owners. And ideally, they should not be left alone for more than a day. Birds also tend to be a bit noisy and messy, but they more than make up for it by being wonderful companions.
Rabbits. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 2.5 million households own rabbits as pets in the United States. They make great pets because they are playful and curious, always looking to interact with other rabbits, humans, or their environment. They can even be trained with positive reinforcement and are known to form bonds with humans. They require just as much attention and exercise as dogs and cats. If left alone for more than four hours a day, it’s important to provide them with toys or an interactive environment. They are also natural chewers. So while they won’t necessarily look for your shoes, they will chew exposed wires.
Horses. Rounding out the top eight pets, 1.2 million households own horses and another 38 million households consider themselves horse enthusiasts. According to the American Horse Council, there are approximately 7.4 million horses in the United States, with the majority classified as recreational horses (43%). Show horses, racing horses, work horses (farm, ranch, rodeo, polo, and police), and Amish-owned horses make up the balance. Like other larger mammals, they make great companions and are intelligent, obedient, and very loyal. They are also one of the most expensive pets to maintain.
After horses, hamsters (1.5 million), chickens (1.4 million), mice and rats (500,000), other livestock (495,000), and ferrets (325,000) tend to make up the most popular pets in the United States. And with so many kinds of pets, it’s easy to see how pet records continue to grow in popularity along with pet ownership.
When friends and family are asked to care for pets they aren’t familiar with, pet records can make a big difference. Pet records provide all the details some pet owners take for granted — what they eat, what they need, and who their preferred vet might be. Sign up today at All About Spot.
