Most Popular Pets in America
Pet ownership in the United States is on the rise. The number of pet dogs and cats jumped from
140 million in 2019 to 149 million in 2020 alone. Seeing as animals not only act as furry friends but also offer numerous health benefits like lowered blood pressure and increased serotonin, it's no surprise that more people are adopting animals.
If you're interested in joining the growing ranks of pet owners but need a little inspiration, here are the eight
most popular pets in America today.
1. Dogs
Dogs come in at number one, with
48.3 million households owning dogs in the United States, making these four-legged friends one of the
most popular pets around. For people who live active lives and love giving out belly rubs,
dog ownership can be a rewarding experience. Dogs are one of the more time-intensive pets, however, requiring training, daily walks, and outdoor potty breaks, so it's important to consider your lifestyle before adopting one.
2. Cats
Cats are number two on the list, with
31.9 million feline owners.
Cat ownership provides many of the same benefits as dog ownership but with less maintenance. Unlike dogs, cats don't need daily walks and are happy to entertain themselves. Although these fuzzy friends are happy to hang alone most of the time, you'll need to make your home cat-friendly with scratching posts and cat trees to help them stay active.
3. Fish
Our small finned friends are number three on the list, with
10.5 million fish owners living in the United States. One of the
best pets for kids, fish are great for teaching responsibility without requiring much care. Fish can be tricky to keep alive, so ensure you have the proper aquarium and fish supplies before bringing one into your home.
4. Reptiles
Quiet and hypoallergenic, reptiles are number four on our list of
most popular pets, residing in
3.7 million American homes. Like fish, reptiles are very low maintenance and can be a great pet for people looking to ease into the responsibility of animal ownership. While some reptiles are vegetarian, many eat bugs or mice, so they might not be a great fit for folks who are squeamish around creepy crawlers.
5. Birds
Graceful and beautiful pets, birds come in at number five, with
3.5 million households owning birds in the U.S. These little creatures are incredibly social and intelligent, making them a perfect animal for people who love interacting with their pets. Birds are social animals that prefer a flock over going solo, so if you plan on adopting a bird, it's a good idea to get more than one.
6. Rabbits
Arguably one of the cutest critters on this list, rabbits are the sixth most popular pet in America, with
1.5 million happy rabbit owners. Like cats, bunnies take up very little space, making them a great option for people living in apartments. Ensure that your rabbit gets the chance to leave its enclosure each day and explore a bunny-safe location to keep it healthy and happy.
7. Pet Poultry
1.4 million American households enjoy farm-fresh eggs produced by their pet poultry each year. Chickens and ducks are also great at controlling pests in your yard, munching on ticks and other bugs you might not want around. Before you go out and buy a batch of chicks, it's a good idea to check your local ordinance. While many communities allow for a limited number of backyard birds, some forbid it altogether.
8. Horses
Horses ride in as the eighth most popular pet in America, with
almost a million horse owners in the U.S. Like dog ownership, horse ownership is great for individuals who enjoy staying physically active. Riding and taking care of horses are great workouts for both you and your horse. Although horses can be great pets, they are the most expensive on this list and require lots of care and the right environment, so consider your financial situation and the ability to house them before diving into horse ownership.
Getting a new pet is exciting, but sometimes it can be hard to know which animal is right for your family. Keep this list of
popular pets on hand as you decide on the perfect pet for your home. And to learn more about how to care for whichever pet you do choose,
get in touch with us at Forever Vets today.
