For those who have pets, it may be emotional companionship or enriching their lives.
In this article, the global pet industry will take the U.S. market, which ranks among the world's largest in the number of pets, as an example, and explain why people choose to keep pets and what they are most concerned about when raising pets as pet owners through the latest research on local pet owners.
Through in-depth research on these issues, we help pet companies and brands to further understand market trends and demand changes, and adjust strategic decisions in a timely manner.
In accordance with the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct, USA Today Blueprint commissioned market research firm OnePoll to conduct a ** survey of 1,000 U.S. dog owners, and the results showed:
38% choose to have a pet.
The main reason: it's easier to have a pet, and many young Americans say having a baby isn't what they want right now. When it comes to what pets to have, most people choose to get a dog.
The number of people who choose to own a dog varies greatly depending on age and region.
By age, the survey found
Among 18 to 26-year-olds: 67% currently choose to own a pet;
Among 27 to 42-year-olds: it drops to 43%;
Among people aged 43 to 58 years: this drops to 28%.
By region, the survey found:
The northeast region accounted for the highest proportion, reaching 61%;
followed by the West, Midwest, and Southwest;
The Southeast has the lowest percentage, but 21% also choose to have a dog rather than have a baby.
Cost and convenience are two of the main reasons why young Americans tend to get dogs. When asked about it
74% of dog owners who choose to postpone or forgo having a baby believe that it is cheaper to have a dog.
Among respondents who chose not to be parents
81% said dogs are easier to care for;
Seventy-two percent said children weren't for them;
54% felt that getting a dog didn't require much planning.
It is worth noting that this is especially true among the younger generation
The 18 to 26 age group accounts for 93%-98%.
Many dog owners consider their dog when making major life decisions, not just potential "parental" status. For example, when making career decisions, relationships, and housing choices, the well-being of dogs is taken into account, as follows:
Housing: 59%;
Travel: 55%;
Occupational: 49%;
Romantic relationships: 48%;
Time spent with family or friends: 45%.
In the 18 to 26 age group, dog owners are more likely to consider their dogs when making relevant decisions. For example
When deciding on a career: up to 88%;
When deciding to fall in love: the proportion also reaches 80%.
While owning a pet dog can be a lot of fun in people's lives, it is also a significant financial investment.
As with any major commitment, it's helpful to do some research before getting a dog. After all, a dog can live for more than 15 years.
The cost of owning a dog for the first year can be higher, including adoption or purchase fees, the cost of dog supplies, and the cost of initial vaccinations and veterinarian**.
At the same time, the ongoing costs of owning a dog may include pet insurance, health care, food, grooming, toys, treats, and dog walking or sitting, among others.
The impact of rising costs on dog ownership
Here's what pet owners in the U.S. spend on their dogs each month and how the rising cost of dog ownership affects them.
How much dog owners spend on their dogs by age, from 18 to over 78 years old
The average monthly cost is about $376;
The average annual cost is about $4,512.
By generation, Gen Z spends the most
It costs about $590 per month on average.
The average annual cost is about $7080.
It should be noted that due to the improvement of pet health concepts and the impact of global inflation, the soaring food and care products related to dogs** have brought financial pressure to many pet owners. Investigation findings
76% said the rising cost of owning a dog has brought them"It's huge"(37%) or"Quite large"(39%).
In order to cope with the financial burden of owning dogs, the survey found
66% are buying less what they need or want;
65% turn to friends and family for financial assistance;
47% are in or have experienced debt;
33% take up a second job or seek new income opportunities.
Not only that, but more than 60% of respondents have cut back on home improvements, experiences, basic necessities and non-essentials to pay for dog ownership. The details are as follows
Non-essentials: 67%;
Basic necessities (food, housing, clothing, personal health care): 66%;
Experiences (trips, activities, etc.): 62%;
Home renovation or renovation: 61%;
Education or skills development costs: 48%;
Savings contributions: 34%.
In addition, more than 50% of respondents have reduced their spending on **, pet insurance and veterinary care. Let's take a look at it specifically
veterinary care: 55%;
Pet insurance: 51%;
* (Eat less or cheap**) 50%;
Dog daycare dog walking: 46%;
Beauty services: 34%;
Dog treats: 25%;
Toys: 22%;
Sterilization: 16%.
Statistics on the main costs of dog ownership
How much does it cost to get a dog for a year in the US? According to the survey, after paying the initial cost of owning a dog, here are some of the annual recurring expenses that some pet owners can expect.
Watchmaking: Global Pet Industry Overseas InsightIn addition to recurring expenses, there may also be some unexpected expenses. Usually, a plan is made to cover this part of the cost before an emergency occurs.
Some of the unexpected expenses that may occur include, but are not limited to, the following
veterinary emergency; Hospitalization**;
chronic diseases; major surgery;
Natural disasters and evacuations.
For example, the cost of the following cases:
Veterinary Emergency: May be expected to cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000;
Long-term hospitalization: May cost $1,000 to $3,000, or more, depending on illness or injury;
Unexpected surgery: May cost more than $5,000 to $10,000.
It is worth noting that the rising cost of dog ownership has also led to a boom in pet insurance purchases, which has reduced some cost pressure for emergency expenditures.
To sum up, understanding people's pet motives and expenditures, as well as influencing factors, can help pet companies and brands better from the perspective of customers, constantly innovate products, formulate reasonable marketing strategies, and do a good job in customer service and social responsibility, so as to further enhance brand value and market influence.
Text: Global pet industry overseas insights.