AVMA Data Shows Changing Dynamics in Pet Ownership and Spending

The 2026 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook estimates that there are now approximately 88.9 million pet dogs and 77 million pet cats in the United States. This marks a 32% increase in the cat population since 2016 compared to a 16% growth in dogs. Although dogs still outnumber cats, the gap has narrowed to just 11.9 million.

The trends are particularly notable in recent pet acquisitions. From 2025 to 2026, the proportion of new dog owners increased by 4.1 percentage points, while cat adoptions grew by 6.1 percentage points. Furthermore, an estimated 58.9 million U.S. households own dogs, accounting for 43.7% of all households, and 46 million own cats, or 34.1% of households, compared to previous years.

This growing feline ownership presents an opportunity for veterinary practices to introduce cat-focused services, especially in preventive care, senior wellness, and chronic disease management. However, addressing barriers such as transportation concerns and perceptions of indoor cat care will be crucial to attracting more feline clients.

Despite the increase in pet ownership, spending on pets has decreased. The average annual expenditure dropped from $1,727 in 2025 to $1,478 in 2026. Veterinary services represented about one-third of total pet spending in both years, indicating that economic factors, changing buying habits, and household dynamics are affecting how families budget for pet care.

The AVMA survey revealed that 82.4% of dog owners and 82.3% of cat owners cited preventive care as the reason for their last veterinary visit. Most respondents reported visiting the vet once or twice a year, suggesting an emphasis on routine care, which is vital as pets age. With a significant percentage of pets being seniors, there are opportunities for veterinarians to provide age-appropriate health screenings and other preventative measures.

Veterinary practices continue to be the primary source for pet medications, with 46.4% of dog owners and 42.7% of cat owners purchasing from their vets. However, convenience is becoming increasingly important, suggesting that practices should enhance their service delivery through online options, home delivery, and simplified prescription processes.

The AVMA data also highlights a shift in pet-owner demographics. Pet-owning households now often include multiple adults and children, which complicates veterinary care schedules. Understanding the diverse needs of clients could help practices tailor their services more effectively.

Overall, the findings from the AVMA indicate a dual challenge for veterinary practices: adapting to the growing cat population and addressing lower spending on pet care. By offering more accessible and convenient services, practices can better meet the needs of a changing clientele while maintaining the crucial veterinarian-client relationship.