Pet spending statistics (2026)
Data reviewed October 1, 2026
Quick answer
The key numbers
$158B
spent on pets in the U.S. in 2025
Up 3.7% year over year.
Source: APPA 2026 State of the Industry Report (2025)
$165B
projected U.S. pet spending for 2026
Source: APPA 2026 State of the Industry Report (2026 (projected))
$331/yr
average annual veterinary spend per dog
Source: APPA, via Insurance Information Institute (2024-2025)
$179/yr
average annual veterinary spend per cat
Source: APPA, via Insurance Information Institute (2024-2025)
Industry spending by year
| Year | Total U.S. pet spending | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $147 billion | - |
| 2024 | $152 billion | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $158 billion | +3.7% |
| 2026 (APPA projection) | $165 billion | +4.4% (projected) |
U.S. pet spending has grown through every recession since APPA began tracking it. Spending is resilient because most of it is non-discretionary: food and veterinary care make up the largest categories.
Average annual spend per pet
| Category | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Routine veterinary care | $331 | $179 |
| Food | $293 | $194 |
| Medications | $97 | $47 |
These APPA survey averages understate what a prepared owner should budget: they exclude grooming, boarding, insurance, and emergencies. Our dog cost calculatorbuilds a fuller estimate from your dog's size, coat, and coverage choices.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Americans spend on pets per year?
$158 billion in 2025 per the American Pet Products Association, up 3.7% year over year, with roughly $165 billion projected for 2026.
How much does the average dog owner spend per year?
APPA survey averages show $331 for veterinary care, $293 for food, and $97 for medications, about $720 before grooming, boarding, insurance, or emergencies. Realistic all-in budgets for most owners run $1,300 to $3,000 per year.
Is pet spending recession-proof?
It has been resilient. U.S. pet industry spending has grown through every recession in APPA's tracking history, because food and veterinary care are non-discretionary for owners.
Sources
- American Pet Products Association (APPA) industry trends and stats
- APPA 2026 State of the Industry Report · $158 billion in 2025, $165 billion projected for 2026
- Insurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics, Pet Ownership and Insurance
We only publish numbers we can attribute. How we build estimates: methodology.