Here at PPG, we consider Pet Owner support really important. At the end of the day, all of our educational messaging and philosophical outlook needs to reach Pet Owners. Ultimately, you will determine the future of our Pet Industry through the services you purchase and the pet care providers you support. Join PPG; there is a FREE membership and a paid subscription giving you access to more and more benefits.
We all choose to own pets for a variety of reasons. However, the relationship between a human and an animal can be intensely emotional at its deepest and most profound.
In its 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that 67% of U.S. households own a pet (an estimated 84.9 million homes). Pet care spending in 2018 reached a “record-breaking high” of $72.56 billion compared to $69.51 billion in 2017, an increase of 4.3%. In 2019 the APPA stated that this booming industry is expected to grow another 4.5%, generating $75.38 billion. Think about the purchasing power you, the pet owner, have.
Do Not Underestimate The Power You Yield as a Pet Owner
The amount spent on food, supplies, and services reflects how pets are increasingly treated like family members. Pets often sleep in their owner’s bed, eat gourmet food, celebrate their birthdays, receive seasonal gifts, drink bottled water, receive monthly toy and treat subscriptions, watch pet television, and hold club memberships.
- 71% of pet owners let their pets sleep in bed with them
- 64% of pet owners buy their pets birthday and holiday gifts.
- 22% of pet owners at least occasionally dress their pets in some type of clothing.
- 12% of pets go to work with their owners.
- 31% of pet owners are cooking for their pets
In a similar vein, Saint Leo University, Florida, reporting on the results of a 2018 poll conducted to find out how much Americans planned to spend on their pets in the forthcoming holiday season, quote Waddell, a professor of social work at the university who teaches an interdisciplinary course about therapy and service animals: “We as a nation are embracing more than ever our pets as family members…Many people have substituted their animals for the choice to have children, and thus they lavish their pets as they normally would their own children.”
Owner, Guardian or Parent?
Owner, guardian, and parent are the most commonly used terms describing the relationship between pets and humans. How do you associate your relationship with your pet? Here at PPG, we celebrate pets sharing our lives and work hard to provide you with resources and education to support you in being the best pet parent, owner, or guardian you can be!
Get Involved Today & Join PPG
- We provide educational webinars designed with you in mind!
- FREE handouts and resources
- The PPG Professional Directory, where can search for animal training and pet care professionals in your area.
- Pets and Their People Magazine is PPG’s publication for pet owners. Grab your free subscription today!
- A membership option just for pet owners!
We also invite you to get involved with our advocacy programs: Horses with Voices, the Shock-Free Coalition, and Project tRade.