Pets are a beloved part of so many families and households. In fact, in the U.S., there are over 86 million pet cats and 78 million pet dogs! Not only do pets bring us joy, but they also keep us healthy- both physically and mentally. With such an important role in our lives, it’s no wonder that pet stores have become increasingly popular. To show just how much of an impact these businesses have had on society, we’ve compiled twelve amazing facts about pet stores that you may not have known before. From the types of animals they offer to the amount of money they bring in each year, read on to discover more about these incredible places!
The first pet store opened in the U.S. in 1930
In 1930, the first pet store in the United States opened its doors to animal lovers. The store, called Pets Unlimited, was located in New York City and specialized in selling pet supplies and accessories. Pets Unlimited quickly became a popular destination for pet owners and soon expanded to other locations across the country. Today, there are thousands of pet stores in the United States, offering a wide variety of products and services for all kinds of pets.
The first pet store in the world was opened in London in 1823
In 1823, the first pet store in the world was opened in London. The store, called Battersea Dogs Home, was founded by Mary Tealby. It was originally a refuge for lost and abandoned dogs, but soon began to sell dogs and other animals to the public.
Battersea Dogs Home became very popular, and soon there were pet stores all over the world. Today, there are thousands of pet stores in every country. Pets are a big business, and people love their pets!
Pets are a $72 billion industry in the United States
Pets are a big business in the United States. In fact, they’re a $72 billion industry! That’s a lot of money spent on our furry (and sometimes scaly) friends.
There are a lot of different ways to break down that $72 billion. For example, $17 billion is spent on food, $14 billion is spent on supplies and over-the-counter medications, $11 billion is spent on vet care, and $5 billion is spent on live animal purchases.
What’s even more interesting is that pet ownership has been steadily increasing for years. In 1988, 56% of households in the US had at least one pet. Today, that number is up to 68%. So as the years go by, we’re becoming more and more attached to our animal companions.
There are all sorts of reasons why people choose to have pets. Some people see them as family members, while others appreciate the health benefits that come with pet ownership (lower blood pressure and cholesterol, for example). Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Americans love their pets!
65% of households in the United States have at least one pet
A recent study conducted by the American Pet Products Association found that 65% of households in the United States have at least one pet. This is up from 56% in 1988, the first year the study was conducted. The most popular pets are dogs (36%), followed by cats (30%), fish (20%), and reptiles (4%).
There are over 86 million cats and 78 million dogs in the United States
There are an estimated 86 million cats and 78 million dogs living in the United States. That’s nearly 164 million pets! The pet industry is a big business, with Americans spending over $60 billion annually on their furry friends.
Americans spend more money on their pets than any other country in the
1. Americans spend more money on their pets than any other country in the world. In 2015, they spent an estimated $60.28 billion on their furry friends, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s more than twice as much as what they spent in 2000 ($24.5 billion).
2. There are about 86 million pet cats in the U.S., and 78 million dogs. That’s more cats than dogs, but there are more dog owners than cat owners (43 million to 42 million).
3. The most popular breed of dog in the U.S. is the Labrador retriever, followed by the golden retriever, German shepherd, bulldog, and beagle. For cats, it’s the domestic short-hair, followed by the Siamese, Persian, Maine coon, and Ragdoll.
4. About 44% of households have a dog, and 35% have a cat. Fish are a distant third at 12%. Other popular pets include rabbits (3%), hamsters (3%), and turtles (1%).
5. Pets can improve your health in many ways. They can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce anxiety and loneliness, ease depression symptoms, and even increase physical activity levels and opportunities for socialization
