Do you know your Gen Z from your Gen X? Maybe? Maybe not! But when it comes pet ownership, there are some interesting statistics that have come out recently in the 2025 State of the Industry Report, released by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), that I found interesting.

Before we get into the numbers on that, for reference, let’s clarify the generation thing! These are the commonly accepted generations with their approximate birth years and current age ranges:

• Generation Alpha: Born 2013-2024 – Current age range – 12 to newborns!
• Generation Z: Born 1997-2012. Current age range – 13 to 28.
• Millennials: Born 1981-1996. Current age range – 29 to 44.
• Generation X: Born 1965-1980. Current age range – 45 to 60.
• Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964. Current age range – 61 to 79.
• Silent Generation: Born 1928-1945. Current age range – 80 to 97.

U.S. Pet Spending & Pet Ownership is Growing

Driven by the younger generations, U.S. pet ownership is growing. And it appears that more young men – in their 20s and 30s – are becoming pet owners than before.  Here are some stats and facts from the report.

• U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024, with projections of $157 billion for 2025. That’s a lot of money!
• Pet ownership in the United States is increasing! The APPA report states that 94 million U.S. households are home to at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023. That’s an increase of around 15%!
• Pet care is still a top priority for Americans, reflecting the bonds between people and their pets are as strong as ever, even in uncertain economic times. 77% of U.S. pet owners report that financial concerns have not impacted their pet ownership.
• Millennials and Gen Zs are more likely to have multiple pets than their Boomer and Gen X counterparts.
• Dog ownership has grown to 51% of U.S. households, equating to 68 million dogs.
• Cat ownership now accounts for 37% of households, representing 49 million cats.
• Gen Z is driving pet ownership growth. In 2024, 18.8 million Gen Z households owned a pet, a 43.5% increase from 2023. This generation is also more likely to own multiple pets, with 70% of Gen Z pet owners reporting they have two or more animals.
• More men, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are acquiring pets.
• Among Gen Z dog owners, 58% are men, while 63% of Millennial dog owners are male, marking double-digit increases from the previous year.
• The biggest shift in cat ownership was also among younger men, with 38% of Gen Z cat owners and 46% of Millennial cat owners identifying as male, reflecting substantial growth in male pet ownership.

Over time, pet ownership has evolved from practical, usually working, relationships with animals to more emotionally driven companionship. The first human-animal interactions were based on the animal being a useful tool, providing labor or sustenance. Over time, particularly in Western society, animals have become companions, dare I say family members, rather than tools. That evolution shows no sign of ending, especially in a world where people are becoming increasingly isolated due to technology.   

Contact Compassionate Animal Care Today

If you are a pet owner in Queen Creek, looking for a local veterinarian you can trust with your companion, call 480.774.6995 or contact us online. Schedule your next vet appointment with Compassionate Animal Care in Queen Creek today.