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As economic uncertainty keeps on shaping consumer patterns, one category is proving remarkably resilient: pet spending. New data from CivicScience suggests that Americans are not only holding steady in their commitment to their pets \u2014 they\u2019re increasingly willing to spend more on them.<\/p>\n
According to the survey, pet owners report a net spending intent of +28%, with 38% planning to increase spending on pet-related expenses such as food, toys and veterinary care over the next year. In contrast, only 10% say they expect to cut back. The majority (53%) anticipate keeping their spending roughly the same, underscoring the stability of the pet care market even as households reassess budgets elsewhere. This resilience reflects a wider trend: For many Americans, pets aren\u2019t a discretionary expense; they are essential members of the household.<\/p>\n
Read:More personal finance content<\/p>\n
Cats vs. Dogs<\/p>\n
Both dog and cat owners are adding to the rise in pet spending, but the data displays a notable divide between the two groups. Cat owners are leading the charge, with a slightly higher likelihood of increasing their budgets compared to dog owners. Specifically, 14% of cat owners report plans for a significant increase in spending, compared to 12% of dog owners, according to CivicScience.<\/p>\n
The gap widens when we factor in those planning slight spending increases. Cat owners are four percentage points ahead, overall, in their intention to spend more.<\/p>\n
This difference may reflect developing perceptions of cat ownership, particularly as more Americans embrace cats as low maintenance yet emotionally rewarding companions. It may also signal growing investment in premium cat products, from customized diets to enrichment toys.<\/p>\n
Still, dog owners continue doing their part to keep the pet economy strong. With 56% expecting to maintain current spending levels and a sizable portion planning increases, the segment continues to be a powerful force in the market.<\/p>\n
TheStreet<\/p>\n
New Pet Ownership Pipeline Remains Strong<\/p>\n
Spending growth is also being fueled by continued interest in pet ownership. Approximately 17% of U.S. adults say they plan to get a dog in the next 12 months, while 11% are considering adding a cat to their household.<\/p>\n
Among current pet owners, the data shows strong \u201cspecies loyalty.\u201d Dog owners are far more likely to plan for another dog (21%) than to get a cat (11%), while cat owners show a similar preference for staying within their existing category.<\/p>\n
This loyalty suggests that once consumers enter a particular segment of the pet market, they are likely to remain there, creating sustained demand for species-specific products and services.<\/p>\n
Remote Work Keeps Shaping Pet Trends<\/p>\n
One of the most significant predictors of future pet ownership is work location. The shift toward remote and hybrid work arrangements \u2014 accelerated during the pandemic \u2014 still influences how and why Americans acquire pets.<\/p>\n
Individuals who work remotely, especially those who have recently transitioned to working from home, are significantly more likely than the average American to plan on getting a pet. Among those who transitioned to remote work, 36% say they are considering getting a dog, and an equal share are thinking about adopting a cat \u2014 well above national averages.<\/p>\n
By contrast, those returning to the office show different preferences. This group is less likely to take on the responsibilities of a dog or cat and, instead, shows more interest in lower-maintenance pets, such as fish, reptiles, or small mammals. These patterns highlight how life practices, particularly time spent at home, directly shape the pet economy. Owning a dog or cat is more feasible for those who spend more time at home. \u00a0And that time spent with these pets may further deepen the human-animal bond, additionally reinforcing spending behavior.<\/p>\n
Emotional Benefits Drive Financial Commitment<\/p>\n
At the heart of the pet spending boom is a powerful emotional connection. The data makes clear that pets play a significant role in their owners\u2019 well-being, particularly when it comes to mental health. More than two-thirds (66%) of pet owners say their pets have had a positive impact on their mental health, citing reduced stress and increased companionship. Only a small minority (11%) report any negative impact.<\/p>\n
The emotional benefits of pet ownership appears to be a key driver of sustained \u2014 and even increased \u2014 spending. In an era distinguished by economic and social stressors, pets offer a sense of stability and comfort that many owners are unwilling to compromise. The value of these relationships often comes to the forefront when someone loses a treasured family pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cPets give us unconditional love,\u201d said Marianne Matzo, PhD. \u201cThe death of a pet can hurt as much or more than the death of a family member.\u201d<\/p>\n
Physical Health Benefits Vary by Pet Type<\/p>\n
While mental health benefits are widely shared across pet owners, physical health outcomes vary more significantly depending on the type of pet. Overall, about 51% of pet owners report that their pets have had a positive impact on their physical health. However, dog owners are notably more likely to report such benefits than cat owners.<\/p>\n
Among dog owners, 57% say their pets have improved their physical health \u2014 likely due to regular walking and increased activity levels. By comparison, 49% of cat owners report similar benefits, an eight-percentage-point gap. This distinction reinforces the idea that different types of pets fulfill different roles in their owners\u2019 lives \u2014 some emotional, others physical. These roles can influence spending patterns. Dog owners, for instance, may invest more in outdoor gear, training, and health-related services, while cat owners may focus on comfort and enrichment products.<\/p>\n
A Recession-Resistant Category<\/p>\n
Taken together, the findings point to a pet industry that is not only stable but growing \u2014 prompted by a combination of emotional attachment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing interest in pet ownership. Even as consumers tighten spending in other areas, pets continue to be a priority. Whether it\u2019s premium food, veterinary care, or toys designed to improve quality of life, owners continue to invest in their animals at high rates.<\/p>\n
The result is a category that appears increasingly insulated from wider economic swings. As one trend becomes clear, it is this: in American households, pets are no longer optional, they are family. And for many, that means their care is one expense that won\u2019t be cut.<\/p>\n
Related: What\u2019s new this\u00a0tax\u00a0year for 50+ adults?<\/p>\n
#Pet #spending #surges #rough #economy #study<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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